HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i men's and women's tennis programs announce the formation of a community support and booster group called UH Ohana Tennis (UHOT) to assist with community outreach, programs fundraising and development. The timing coincides with the hosting of the 2009 Western Athletic Conference Tournament, April 23-26, at the UH Tennis Complex.
UHOT has already raised $10,000 in its formative meetings which will be used for court enhancements including new court light bulbs, windscreens, net straps, repairs to umpire chairs to prepare the facility for the upcoming tournament. A total of 16 teams—seven men's and nine women's—will compete in match play to decide this year's WAC champions.
The Warriors are the reigning WAC men's champions, having won last year's tournament in Las Cruces, N.M.
“Our goals are for our team to play in the NCAA Sweet 16 and to grow top nationally ranked players with excellent academic performance,” head coach
John Nelson said. “Not only are we on track, winning the WAC with strong individual showings and stronger team lineups, we are also pulling together the local tennis community
ohana and spreading the spirit of island tennis.”
The Rainbow Wahine, meanwhile, boasts a dynamic squad in 2009 with wins over two ranked squads already this year, putting them in contention for a WAC title.
Rainbow Wahine head
Jun Hernandez said: “We encourage everyone to come out to the UH Tennis Complex to watch, enjoy and support these young student-athletes putting their heart and skills into the best tennis played in Hawai'i. You will see that there really is an
ohana spirit here and we welcome all to be a part of this awesome community.”
UHOT is led by local realty specialist and tennis enthusiast Scott Bradley, who invites participation.
“People of Hawai'i who appreciate great tennis and share the vision for excellence and the style of island tennis put forth by Coach Nelson and Coach Hernandez, should join our organization,” Bradley said. “Community support and donations will be key in advancing these increasingly competitive UH teams to the post season where they represent the entire state of Hawai'i. Such success will expand fan base, help bring in more revenue and enable more community outreach, training and clinics in the future.”
For details on how to become a UHOT member and to contribute to the UH men's and women's tennis programs, please contact:
Membership Chair: Mary Rose Shen, maryrose@hawaii.rr.com
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