SARATOGA SPRINGS — Vania King, two-time Grand Slam champion and USTA board member, recently visited the Capital Region to meet local tennis players and providers in the Saratoga Springs, Schenectady and Albany communities.
To begin her Capital Region visit, King participated in a free tennis clinic with more than 40 youth players at the Saratoga Regional YMCA Wilton Branch. The players had the opportunity to hear about King’s professional tennis experience, including what it’s like to play in a Grand Slam and participate in on-court drills with King. The top eight players in all divisions - boys and girls 14 through 18 - were invited to participate in the culminating event – the USTA Northeastern Region’s new 518 Tournament Series.
The 518 Tournament Series featured six Level 7 USTA tournaments held from June to August at Sportime Schenectady, Shenendehowa High School, Bethlehem High School and the Saratoga Regional YMCA. Overall, 124 youth players - 76 boys and 48 girls - participated in the 518 Tournament Series. Level 7 USTA tournaments are geared for players who are new to competing in tournaments or have limited tournament experience.
“I had never been to Albany or the Northern Region before, so it was nice to see how strong the tennis culture is,” King said. “It was a lot of fun seeing the kids and their parents. I love working with kids - I find it very fulfilling.”
King ended her time in the Capital Region at Albany’s 15-LOVE, a non-profit organization that provides tennis and education opportunities to youth in the cities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy and Rensselaer, along with the surrounding communities. At 15-LOVE, King met with a group of 24 youth players between ages 6-12 who were getting ready for their on-court Net Generation activation, which was held on August 29 in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the 2022 US Open.
For additional information about tennis in the Capital Region, visit USTA.com.
