The Pride of Tennessee Jr. Qualifier Events will take place at the Champions Club June 1-3 with the addition of exciting special events for the entire Chattanooga tennis community.
This year's goal for the tennis tournament is to raise awareness for Ewing Sarcoma and all proceeds will go to the Sean Karl Foundation.
“We are absolutely thrilled this year to have the opportunity to partner with the Sean Karl Foundation for the Tennessee Junior Qualifying,” said tournament director Andrew Rogers. “As Tennessee's premier Junior event, it's a natural fit because Sean personified so many of the attributes of a great competitor.”
The Sean Karl Foundation is committed to carrying on its namesake's battle against Ewing Sarcoma. Every person involved with the foundation has been impacted by Sean and his story, and it is the organization's mission to end the rare disease that claimed Sean's life.
“Anyone that knew Sean can testify to the fact that he was a fiery competitor who loved to duke it out on the tennis court. From his backyard court in Nashville, to the qualifier in Chattanooga, to the varsity courts at the University of Tennessee, Sean was giving everything he had to this sport,” said Hunter Reese of the Sean Karl Foundation. “We feel that it is only fitting that we stay true to Sean’s passions!”
The events planned will benefit tennis players of all ages and skill levels, culminating in the professional tennis exhibition. 2017 marks the 10th year for the Pride of Tennessee Jr. Qualifier hosted in Chattanooga. Rogers has been involved with the tournament all 10 years, the last 3 as the tournament director, and has worked over the years to bring the sports, business, and tennis communities together to help make this tournament one of the best in the southeast.
“We are thrilled to once again support the Tennessee State Junior Qualifier! This event is already first class and partnering with the Sean Karl Foundation this year will make it an event unlike any other.” says Brant Donlon, Sports Account Manager with the Chattanooga Sports Committee. “Andrew Rogers is an amazing tournament director to work with. Our team is excited to showcase our community to these incredible athletes traveling in to compete.”
A silent auction will also be held and bidding will be open throughout the tournament. Items to be auctioned include autographed items from current touring pros Roger Federer and John Isner. Winning bids will be announced on June 4th, at 12:00PM.
“Tennis is a sport that forged so many beautiful friendships over the years for Sean, and we are overjoyed at the opportunity to be around this great tournament in 2017,” said Reese. “Get your racquets, and come help us continue Sean’s battle as we help to raise funds for Ewing Sarcoma research!”
Sponsorship packages are available for all events. For information on sponsoring contact Andrew Rogers at 423-322-7919. Sponsors must be confirmed by May 1.
Events include:
THURSDAY, JUNE 1: COLLEGE TENNIS CLINIC
2 – 4 pm
All are welcome for a fun, high-energy workout led by some of the best college coaches and players in the country!
University of Tennessee Coaches:
Sam Winterbotham – Men’s Head Coach
Chris Woodruff – Men’s Associate Head Coach
Alison Ojeda – Women’s Head Coach
Ty Schaub – Women’s Assistant Coach
College Players:
Maxx Lipman, Steven Karl, Hunter Reese, Sydney Campbell and many others!
THURSDAY, JUNE 1: COLLEGE FORUM & PLAYER DINNER
6 – 8 pm
Free to all Jr. Qualifier players and parents.
Q&A Session about “The College Tennis Process and Experience” with University of Tennessee coaches and college players.
FRIDAY, JUNE 2: ORANGE DAY!
Wear orange to show your SKF support and State of Tennessee pride. Grab lunch at the delicious food trucks on-site.
SATURDAY, JUNE 3: ADULT DOUBLES TOURNAMENT
12 – 2 pm: 3.5 USTA Players and Below
2 – 4 pm: 4.0 USTA Players and Above
Winners will get a shot at beat the pros at the Tennis Exhibition later that evening. This event will be Round Robin play: grab a partner or we will match you with one!
SATURDAY, JUNE 3: “THE BEST OF TENNESSEE” SINGLES AND DOUBLES TENNIS EXHIBITION
6 – 8 PM, Stadium Court
Watch GREAT TENNIS from the Pride in Tennessee!
Showcase Players:
Bobby Reynolds, 2003 NCAA Team Finalist, Vanderbilt, 2009 #63 Prof. Singles Ranking
Hunter Reese: 2014 NCAA Doubles Champion, University of Tennessee
Sydney Campbell: 2015 NCAA Team Champion, Vanderbilt University
Ryan Lipman: 2009 USTA Finalist National Hard Courts, Kalamazoo, Vanderbilt
Maxx Lipman: University of Florida…and some surprise players!