Four to Enter USTA Pro Circuit Event
7/31/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
FORT WORTH, Texas – Four members of the TCU women's tennis team will take part in the 2015 Fort Worth Women's Pro Tennis Classic, a USTA Pro Circuit Event, that will be held at the Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center from August 1-9.
Newcomers Marie Norris and Mia King earned spots in the 32-player main draw that will take place on the Bernard ‘Tut' Bartzen Varsity Courts, while Caroline Wegner and Alexis Pereira will compete in the qualifying draw for a chance to earn a spot in the main draw. Professional athletes from around the world will be competing for $10,000 in prize money, as well as valuable WTA Tour Ranking points.
"Having this tournament right here on our home courts is wonderful for our team, university and city," head coach Lee Taylor Walker said. "Linda Cappel and Jonathan Pham have done a phenomenal job in organizing such a great event. Further, Sharon Keenum has built the event's 'Community Night' into one of the leading events on the ITF professional tour. We are very fortunate to have people like this contribute to putting on such a quality event.
"I'm excited that four of our own will be able to take advantage of this tournament in playing on their home courts. Alexis has a year under her belt as a Horned Frog, but it will be fantastic for Caroline, Marie and Mia to kick off their TCU careers right here this week. We are all really excited to watch them compete."
The four will be following in the footsteps of former TCU All-American Stefanie Tan who was able to snag the doubles crown at the event a year ago with UNC junior Hayley Carter. Walker will also be in attendance as a coach for the USTA Women's Collegiate National Team.
About the USTA Pro Circuit
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. Celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2015, the USTA Pro Circuit provides players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. Mardy Fish, Maria Sharapova, John Isner, Caroline Wozniacki, Sam Querrey, Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray are among today's top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.
Players Mentioned
