No Sibling Rivalry on These Teams
SOUTH CAROLINA TEAMS CONSIST OF MAINLY BROTHER AND SISTER DUOS
By Amanda Tobin and Jennifer Pollack/ USTA Southern

A 10-hour drive from their home courts at Pinewood Tennis Center to the Mobile Tennis Center is just enough time for these two teams to prepare for the competition at the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Southern Sectional Championships. As they set off on their journey, these South Carolina 14 & Under Advanced and 18 & Under Intermediate teams are traveling not only with their teammates, but for many also with their siblings. Most of the members on each team have a brother or a sister that plays on the other one.

For the 18 & Under team, also known as the “Lowcountry Crushers,” this is the first time the members are playing in the highest age division at Sectionals. The team started when the players were 12 and 13 years old and has been competing together for five years. Despite it being its first time in this division, the team has high hopes due to its previous experience in Mobile at Sectionals.

For the 14 & Under team, who is known at the “Lowcountry Gators,” this is its fourth consecutive year competing in Mobile. The players are going into the tournament as defending champs and are ready to prove they still has what it takes to make it to the top.

Jimmy Elliget coaches both teams, has a son on each, and is also the assistant coach at Pinewood Prep in Summerville. He is an enthusiastic advocate for USTA Jr. Team Tennis and believes it helps support local team tennis and promotes the team aspect of the sport. The team members put in a lot of hard work on the court and practice five to six days a week individually and twice a week as a team. In addition, all of the members are skilled tournament players who compete on a regular basis.

With their past experiences in Mobile, long history together, and family ties, it is no surprise these two teams are coming to the tournament this year with confidence and a positive outlook.