Making the Last Year Together Count
TEAM’S FIVE-YEAR RUN COMING TO AN END
By: Amanda Tobin and Jennifer Pollack/ USTA Southern

After playing together for the past five years, this Georgia 14 & Under Intermediate team is preparing for its first trip to the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Sectional Championships, which coincidently might be the last time the team members compete with each other. After the tournament, only two players, Brennen Sanders and A.J. Blankenship, will be remaining in the 14 & Under age group. The rest of the team ages up to the 18 & Under division. The members started playing together in the 10 & Unders and have moved up with each other each year. The days when this team used to be dominated by other teams in its state have since ended, and the players have proved that they have what it takes to get to the next level of competition.

While the team members do not see each other often during the year except during the Jr. Team Tennis season, they get along well on and off the court. According to team coach, Brad Sanders, the season is like a reunion for the players. Uncertain about the team’s future, Sanders will have to find a way to form a new team with his son, Brennen, and Blankenship, who also happens to be his nephew.

Even if these team members will not be playing together next year, they will see each other during high school matches. Most of the players compete for their respective high schools and play against each other as friendly rivals. With its new found success on the court, hopefully this team can make a run at Sectionals and end its five years together on a high note.