Talking Tennis Southern Style
Talking Tennis Southern Style covers tennis in nine Southern states and is hosted by longtime tennis TV & radio personality Sam Crenshaw. The weekly podcast is the official show of USTA Southern, the largest section of the United State Tennis Association and represents 26% of the national members.
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Growing Tennis On Campus at UNC-CH
10/04/2024
Growing Tennis On Campus at UNC-CH
John Hankinson’s travel with his University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Tennis On Campus team has already accumulated more miles than his years playing junior tournaments. He has played in numerous Southern TOC Championships and two National TOC Championships and heads up a massive contingent of players at Chapel Hill, where over 190 students have tried out for the team. He’s led the Tar Heel TOC Club team to support a grassroots fundraising tennis program, he’s competed at the USTA Adaptive Tennis Championships with one of his classmates and organized alumni matches on campus. Through these endless efforts, he was recognized as the USTA Southern Tennis on Campus Leader of the Year. Listen to this future tennis leader in the South and the mark he’s already made in the South.
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TV personality Karen Graham co-founded company serving Deaf community
09/26/2024
TV personality Karen Graham co-founded company serving Deaf community
“Talking Tennis Southern Style” host Sam Crenshaw reconnected with a long-time friend and fellow TV journalist when he interviewed Karen Graham, a mainstay on Atlanta’s Fox 5. A three-time Emmy award winner, Karen co-founded Sign1News, which serves the Deaf community with captioned news and sports on its website. She talks about learning signing at an early age and how she incorporates that skill in expanding her company’s many-faceted communication assets. A dedicated tennis player in the hotbed of recreational tennis, Karen can be seen on courts in and around the Georgia capital. One of Sign1News' anchors, DiMarco Pittman, attended a USTA coaching workshop and aims to be a Deaf tennis coach.
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Jamie Hunt starts as third coach in Georgia’s men’s tennis
09/17/2024
Jamie Hunt starts as third coach in Georgia’s men’s tennis
In our second episode this month, that concentrates on college coaching, we spotlight Jamie Hunt, the third coach in UGA men’s tennis history, who starts in his new post this year. Jamie, who was a member of the 2007-08 Georgia champion teams, talks about the legacy of Dan Magill and his tutelage under Manny Diaz, both Southern Tennis Hall of Fame inductees. Saying he could write a book with all of the notes he’s taken in his seven years as associate head coach, he extolls Diaz and how the former coach prepared him for the head coach job.
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Louisville’s Mark Beckham on college coaching
09/11/2024
Louisville’s Mark Beckham on college coaching
In this episode, we sit down with Mark Beckham, who shares his inspiring journey from college tennis player to head coach of the women’s team at his alma mater, the University of Louisville. Born and raised in Louisville, Mark reflects on the unique experience of coaching where he once played and the pride he feels representing his hometown. Coach Beckham discusses the evolution of college tennis, the complexities of blending transfer students with freshmen and the challenges of recruiting in today’s competitive landscape. Mark also shares his deep connection to Louisville sports, growing up a fan of the Cardinals and how legends like Arthur Ashe inspired his tennis career.
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USTA’s Martin Blackman: covering the US Open
08/27/2024
USTA’s Martin Blackman: covering the US Open
The last Grand Slam of the year brings a New York vibe to tennis as the US Open begins. USTA General Manager, Player Development Martin Blackman, discusses the chances of Americans, including former Atlanta resident Coco Gauff repeating her 2023 success. Southerners Ben Shelton, Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul join a great USA contingent including Danielle Collins, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe as they vie for America’s most coveted Grand Slam title. Martin also explains how the US Open’s bottom line directly contributes to the American grassroots, supporting underserved youth and recreational players. Do not miss this opportunity to listen in on the US Open and the stamp it’s making on players and communities nationwide.
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North Carolina tennis history
08/20/2024
North Carolina tennis history
In this episode of Talking Tennis Southern Style, we’re joined by Gray Smith, a Board Member of the and the North Carolina Tennis Foundation. Gray delves into North Carolina’s rich tennis history, highlighting the legendary players who have graced its courts, including Rod Laver, Cliff Richard, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Andy Roddick and Patrick McEnroe. Gray provides unique insights into the ATP Tour's Winston-Salem Open, discussing how it came together and the crucial role volunteers played in its success. He also touches on the tournament’s commitment to giving back to the community and its impact beyond the court. Tune in to hear about the legacy of tennis in North Carolina and the ongoing efforts to support and grow the sport.
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USTA Southern EVP Ted Reese runs Cary Tennis Classic
08/14/2024
USTA Southern EVP Ted Reese runs Cary Tennis Classic
USTA Southern EVP Ted Reese runs Cary Tennis Classic Top 100 men and women are playing this week at the Cary (N.C.) Tennis Park with numerous community and charity events. We welcome Ted Reese, who volunteers in his leadership role as USTA Southern Executive Vice President. He takes time this week to talk about his dual USTA Pro Circuit tournaments running in his hometown of Cary, N.C. As Co-tournament Director of the , Ted emphasizes the growth of the tournaments that attracted top male and female stars like 2014 US Open finalist , , Olympic silver medalist and the fifth-seed from Georgia . Listen as he shares his heart in promoting the community and charity work done by the tournament and how the region’s tennis is enhanced by this week-long professional tennis event.
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Raising Funds for Tennis Programs and Scholarships
08/07/2024
Raising Funds for Tennis Programs and Scholarships
Join us on the latest episode of "Talking Southern Style Tennis" as we sit down with Paul Pittman, Chair of the USTA Southern Advocacy Task Force and Chair of the Major Gifts Committee for the Southern Tennis Foundation. In this episode, Paul shares insights into how the Southern Tennis Foundation is dedicated to growing the sport of tennis across the Southern section. Discover their impactful grants that fund tennis programs and initiatives, as well as their scholarships for juniors heading to college.
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USA players competing in the Paris Olympics
07/30/2024
USA players competing in the Paris Olympics
USA players competing in the Paris Olympics Karen Pestaina of TennisPanorama.com discusses Tommy Paul, Emma Navarro, Taylor Townsend and other American players at the Summer Olympics. “Playing the Olympics and playing for your country really energizes players,” says Karen Pestaina, founder and editor-in-chief of TennisPanorama.com. Karen highlights Southern players who can make a big impact in Paris. She focuses on the chances of Tommy Paul, who won a Roland Garros junior title, and South Carolina’s Emma Navarro to bring home a medal from France. She also recaps the last Atlanta Open. Listen to the insights of a veteran tennis journalist!
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Patricia Jensen: Famed tennis matriarch and volunteer
07/24/2024
Patricia Jensen: Famed tennis matriarch and volunteer
In this episode, we sit down with Patricia Jensen, mother of four former professional tennis players, including 1993 French Open men’s doubles champions Luke and Murphy Jensen. Patricia shares her unique insights and experiences from transporting four children playing junior tournaments, where she put over 100K miles on her car one summer, to watching them play on the professional tour. Once dubbed the “matriarch of Atlanta’s No. 1 tennis family” by USTA Southern, she continues to volunteer in the tennis world by organizing the ball persons for the Atlanta Open and Georgia Tech. Listen in on her stories as a mother and being the number one fan of all of her tennis playing kids.
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Atlanta Open history: Tournament directors talk 2013-2024
07/17/2024
Atlanta Open history: Tournament directors talk 2013-2024
Current Tournament Director Peter Lebedevs and former TD Eddie Gonzalez explain how the Atlanta Open became the premier event in the local summer sports scene. Known for many years as the BB&T Atlanta Open and the Truist Atlanta Open, the city’s ATP tournament put down anchor in 2012 at the iconic Atlantic Station with its breathtaking cityscape. GF Sports & Entertainment brought in top-level support, raising the event to be coveted by both fans and players. Listen in on the conversation about great competition, including former Georgia Bulldog John Isner winning six championships.
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Atlanta Open history: Tournament directors talk 2010-2012
07/09/2024
Atlanta Open history: Tournament directors talk 2010-2012
As the Georgia capital says farewell to its most important pro tennis tournament – the – we chat with the first two tournament directors. Bill Oakes, USTA Southern’s Director, Marketing & Sales in 2010, helped bring the tournament to metro Atlanta. Bob Bryant ushered in its move to Atlantic Station. Both reminisce about the joys and challenges of hosting an ATP tournament in the best tennis city in the country. Next week, we will interview the two tournament directors who have overseen the “mini US Open” for over a decade.
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John Isner on Atlanta Open; Martin Blackman on Wimbledon
07/03/2024
John Isner on Atlanta Open; Martin Blackman on Wimbledon
In this episode, we welcome two special guests: John Isner, the six-time Atlanta Open champion, and Martin Blackman, the USTA General Manager of Player Development. John discusses his upcoming exhibition match with Andy Roddick against the Bryan brothers, shares his experiences as a player in the Atlanta Open, and gives his insights on the future of tennis in Atlanta. Martin provides an in-depth analysis of Americans at Wimbledon, highlighting the top American players, including Southerners Coco Gauff, Emma Navarro, Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Christopher Eubanks and Alycia Parks.
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Lake Norman Expands on Red Ball Tennis for Adults
06/26/2024
Lake Norman Expands on Red Ball Tennis for Adults
Amy Brandon has the Lake Norman, N.C., tennis community hitting red balls on short tennis courts. As a pioneer for adults in metro Charlotte, she started the which has grown to more than 500 players from 64 players since 2016. The Executive Director’s efforts align with the expanding program. She says the goal is to bring tennis to adults in a non-threatening, easy-to-play environment with scoring and rules designed for 36' courts. List to how she’s transforming the tennis world, one beer at a time.
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Tennis Helps 15-year-old Radio Personality Survive Leukemia
06/18/2024
Tennis Helps 15-year-old Radio Personality Survive Leukemia
Five years ago, at the age of 10, Lex Stolle was diagnosed with high-risk . He began a years-long series of chemotherapy treatments at of Children’s in Atlanta. Now, his recovery includes tennis, a love he shares with his father. His talents in communication and inspiring hope in other cancer victims have led him to host a on first Sunday of every month, 1-2 p.m., with assistance from the He wants to have a career as a motivational speaker … and when you hear this podcast, you’ll see, he is definitely on his way!
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America’s Top Junior: Georgia’s Al Parker
06/11/2024
America’s Top Junior: Georgia’s Al Parker
No one can match Al Parker’s junior career … a national champion 25 times and ranked No. 1 in Boys’ 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s from 1981-86. He reminisces about playing at the University of Georgia, which hosted and won NCAA Championships in the 1980s. “We were definitely a force,” the four-time All-American said. He has been inducted into three Halls of Fame, including the Southern Hall of Fame in 2010. He rose to No. 261 on the ATP Tour but his career was limited by a back injury sustained in college. Listen to Al as he shares how he’s applied what he learned as a top junior and collegiate player to his daily personal and professional life.
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Spring/Summer Buying Guide
06/05/2024
Spring/Summer Buying Guide
Want to hear a behind-the-scenes perspective from a photo shoot with Frances Tiafoe and Aryna Sabalenka? Michelle Heidbrink of talks about being on-site with the tennis stars and previewing new clothing a year in advance. She also recommends checking out the sleek designs of Naomi Osaka and Rafa Nadal shoes. Of course, the newest racquets are available and guaranteed to boost your strokes. For Father’s Day, gifts sure to please Dad include customizing a racquet, new high-performance strings or a new shirt for his next match.
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Promoting tennis: USTA South Carolina’s advocacy success
05/28/2024
Promoting tennis: USTA South Carolina’s advocacy success
Sheryl McAlister, Senior Director of Advocacy and Community Development for , discusses their efforts in promoting tennis during National Tennis Month. She highlights their advocacy work, increased grant applications and the enthusiastic involvement of staff and volunteers. Sheryl also addresses challenges in providing quality public tennis courts and their initiatives to engage state officials and local communities.
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USTA’s Martin Blackman: covering Roland Garros
05/21/2024
USTA’s Martin Blackman: covering Roland Garros
USTA General Manager, Player Development Martin Blackman, discusses the growing crop of Americans showing their grit on the French Open’s terre battue. Among the players highlighted are Danielle Collins and Frances Tiafoe, along with Southerners Coco Gauff, Emma Navarro, Alycia Parks, Tommy Paul and Christopher Eubanks. Another hot topic is the Summer Olympics, which will be played at Roland Garros.
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Bill Oakes on ATP pro tournaments
05/15/2024
Bill Oakes on ATP pro tournaments
In this episode, we sit down with Bill Oakes, the former tournament director of the acclaimed ATP 250 and Senior Associate Athletic Director of. Bill shares his thoughts on innovative tournament formats, the significance of college tennis, and reflects on the upcoming last year of the , which he also ran.
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Advocating for tennis courts
05/07/2024
Advocating for tennis courts
We applaud anyone playing tennis in a driveway. But, realistically, 99% of tennis is played on courts. Paul Pittman, the long-time dominant force of tennis in Florence, S.C., is now chairing USTA Southern’s push to protect and increase the number of our tennis courts. Pittman speaks to grassroots tennis advocates who are working to ensure that new tennis courts are improved and built, and not turned into pickleball courts.
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Auburn’s Bobby Reynolds: from ATP to college
04/30/2024
Auburn’s Bobby Reynolds: from ATP to college
In this episode, we chat with Bobby Reynolds, Auburn Men’s tennis head coach, a former No. 1 collegiate player at Vanderbilt and a former ATP player. He shares insights from coaching in the SEC and offers advice for aspiring players aiming for college and pro success, along with tips for competitive coaching. Reflecting on his pro tour days when he topped out at No. 63 in the world, coach Reynolds also touches on the broader impact of the sport. He grew up in metro Atlanta.
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National Tennis Month: Bob Willis
04/24/2024
National Tennis Month: Bob Willis
Join us for an insightful episode featuring Bob Willis, President of the . Willis will host a National Tennis Month “Bring A Friend” lesson on May 25 at . He recounts last year’s experience with a successful NTM event. Don't miss out on Willis’s valuable tips and strategies for drawing new players to the sport with impactful tennis celebrations in your community!
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National Tennis Month: Kristie Flowers
04/16/2024
National Tennis Month: Kristie Flowers
hosted a session during 2023 and plans more sessions next month during National Tennis Month (NTM). She gets people active at in Florence, S.C. Flowers has had as many 50 participants get their heart rates up. She cites USTA Southern Board Member Ernie James for promoting NTM events.
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Tennessee tennis recruiter: Tyler Strong
04/09/2024
Tennessee tennis recruiter: Tyler Strong
How do you expand tennis in your state? A strategic focus of USTA is increasing the number of providers like parks and recreation departments, coaches, teachers, tournament directors and grassroots tennis associations. is using his knowledge of Junior Team Tennis to make connections with coaches and facilities. A nearly 10-year veteran of , Strong also celebrates tennis parents who assist coaches
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Tennis Channel on-court host Andrew Krasny
04/03/2024
Tennis Channel on-court host Andrew Krasny
is best known for his post-match interviews on court for . This week he is the host and emcee of , a tournament he considers among the best in the world for featuring the brightest women’s stars in the game. Over his storied career, Krasny has been one of the faces you've seen at , the and , connecting TV viewers with the world’s best tennis players.
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WHM: WTA player Arianne Hartono & Coach Jason Ontog
03/27/2024
WHM: WTA player Arianne Hartono & Coach Jason Ontog
Arianne Hartono, a Dutch professional tennis player ranked No. 140 in WTA singles, made history at the University of Mississippi by winning the , the first Dutch player to do so. She also received the for top female collegiate tennis player. Hartono is engaged to her coach Jason Ontog, a former USTA Tennessee staff member and known for his tennis achievements. He was the 2000 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year and rose to a national ranking of No. 67 in 2003. Together, they offer insights into the travel demands and life on the WTA Tour.
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Teaching: true passion for former UT coach Elizabeth Henderson
03/19/2024
Teaching: true passion for former UT coach Elizabeth Henderson
Elizabeth Henderson’s life in tennis started by being No. 1 in numerous junior age levels in USTA Southern before being recognized as an All-American at the . She started her collegiate coaching odyssey at the University of North Carolina, followed by her first head coaching job at . That led to a four-year stint as women’s head tennis coach at the . She was inducted into the in 2011. For more than 30 years she has focused on her true passion: teaching young players at the in Knoxville.
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No-Cut Coach Starfish Award winner John Cox
03/12/2024
No-Cut Coach Starfish Award winner John Cox
We chatted with John Cox, whose volunteer work covers many areas of tennis, including numerous posts in . Still, he has a soft spot for the students of in Cleveland, Miss., where he began coaching the tennis team in 2017. His goal is to make tennis “cool” and get players on court and practicing. Winning two state titles and being awarded the and awards is just an extra bonus.
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WHM: Local League Coordinator honoree Anna Martin
03/06/2024
WHM: Local League Coordinator honoree Anna Martin
We talk with the She is a veteran of more than 23 years of promoting and organizing USTA League, providing a rich history of tennis in Wilmington, N.C. She now supports nearly 200 adult recreational teams. Martin highlights the importance of playing against players with similar skill levels for the She also serves as a teacher and director at a local church school.
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