Collegiate tournament courts top players

LAKEWOOD RANCH — It’s been recognized as the Grand Slam of college tennis.

Both national championship contenders and coaches alike look forward to the recognition, camaraderie, support and prestige that comes from competing in one of the top NCAA Intercollegiate Tennis Association fall tournaments in the country.

And this year proves no different.

Twenty men’s and women’s tennis teams from across the country will hit the court Nov. 7 through Nov. 9 for the Lakewood Ranch Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic presented by First Watch Café.

The annual tournament, which features teams from the nation’s best conferences, is free and open to the public. However, donations will be accepted with proceeds benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

“(Lakewood Ranch resident) Larry Wade and Dick Vitale have worked tirelessly and are always extremely passionate in raising sponsorship money for The V Foundation,” head tennis professional Chris Marquez says. “Their efforts and passion definitely need to be recognized and applauded. Many lives and families will benefit from the level of commitment they have in fighting cancer.”

The opening rounds of the men’s and women’s singles tournaments and the doubles tournament will begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 7; matches run through the weekend. The women’s singles final is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 9, followed by the men’s singles final at noon. Men’s and women’s doubles finals also will be held that day.

East County resident Taylor Lederman, daughter of Paul Lederman, who is the director of club operations at the Lakewood Ranch Athletic Center, will return home to compete, alongside her University of Kentucky teammates, on the same courts on which she grew up playing.

Lakewood Ranch senior Ashley Bongart, who verbally committed to the University of Tennessee in August, also will be on hand to cheer on her future teammates.

In addition, Florida resident and last year’s finalist from Princeton, Zach McCourt, will be returning to try and capture the men’s singles title while the University of Florida women’s team, a national championship contender, will seek to defend its team title.

“We have such a great representation from different regions and conferences,” Marquez says. “Every player is so happy to be here, and they are so appreciative of everything. It’s a win-win situation with such a unique and competitive platform.”

Prior to the tournament, the club will hold a welcome party for the players and coaches at 7 p.m. Nov. 6, at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Cost is $25 and includes salads, barbecue, carving stations, desserts and beverages. A cash bar also will be available. For more information and to RSVP, call the country club at 907-4700.

On Nov. 7, the Lakewood Ranch Athletic Center will host a Friday Night Lights event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wristbands are $20 and include unlimited beer and wine, appetizers and live entertainment. Non-alcoholic wristbands for those under 21 are $7. Food and beverages also will be available for purchase throughout the tournament.

Vitale also will hold a party for all of the teams and some of the sponsors at his home during the tournament.

“Lakewood Ranch is a destination now in the world of college tennis,” Marquez says. “We take such pride in making such a memorable weekend for everyone. We are all very grateful.”

2014 Participants
Men
• North Carolina
• Michigan
• Arizona
• Virginia
• Florida Gulf Coast
• Oklahoma State
• North Florida
• Duke
• Princeton

Women
• Boston College
• Florida Gulf Coast
• Florida
• Oklahoma State,
• Memphis
• Princeton
• Colorado
• Notre Dame
• North Florida
• Kentucky
• Tennessee