Tournament Recap: 2025 USTA National Women’s 50–80 Hardcourt Championships
Level 1 • May 5–10 • La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
The National Women’s 50–80 Hardcourt Championships kicked off on Monday, May 5, with a soggy start—but true to form, our players and the tennis gods rallied. Drizzle and damp courts gave way to clearing skies by 10:00 a.m., allowing first-round matches to get underway and setting the tone for a week of top-tier tennis and camaraderie.
Tuesday brought a full slate of seeded players to the courts under cool, overcast skies. All advanced to the quarterfinals, setting up an exciting Wednesday that featured on-and-off sunshine—just enough to show off the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in all its glory: pristine courts, lush grounds, and a sparkling shoreline. The day concluded with the tournament’s beloved beach BBQ, where players enjoyed great food, ocean views, and the chance to reconnect with old friends and new.
Thursday’s semifinals did not disappoint
In the 50s singles, Julie Thu defeated Joanna Stewart, and Kathy Settles powered past Dina McBride, setting up a much-anticipated final between the 1 and 3 seeds. In the 60s, unseeded Marianne Dundon stunned the crowd with a gritty 7–6, 1–6, 6–2 win over #2 Gayle Prejean, earning a spot in the final against top-seeded Shelly Works. The 70s final was set with Andrea Barnes and Lisa Musgrave advancing, while in the 80s, the #1 and #2 seeds, Susan Kimball and Betty Wachob, stayed on track for a top-seed showdown.
By Saturday, the sun was beaming, and champions were crowned under a picture-perfect blue sky. From marathon matches to beachside bonding, this year's championships delivered everything we love about senior women’s tennis: fierce competition, lasting friendships, and a week of unforgettable moments on and off the court. Congratulations to all the medalists and participants.
🎾 Big Ballers Hall of Fame: Gold • Silver • Bronze Winners
SINGLES
WOMEN’S 50s
🥇 Julie Thu
🥈 Kathy Settles
🥉 Dina McBride
WOMEN’S 60s
🥇 Marianne Dundon
🥈 Shelley Works
🥉 Gayle Prejean
WOMEN’S 70s
🥇 Andrea Barnes
🥈 Lisa Musgrave
🥉 Becky Timmis
WOMEN’S 80s
🥇 Betty Wachob
🥈 Susan Kimball
🥉 Carolann Castell
DOUBLES
WOMEN’S 50s
🥇 Julie Thu / Debbie Spence-Nasim
🥈 Jami Jones / Colleen Royal
🥉 Jennifer Bishop / Jennifer Cherneski
WOMEN’S 60s
🥇 Lindsay Montero / Shelly Bartlett Sweeney
🥈 Shelley Works / Rainy Miller
🥉 Eleanor Hammargren / Gayle Prejean
WOMEN’S 70s
🥇 Andrea Barnes / Leslie Airola-Murveit
🥈 Lisa Musgrave / Una Davis
🥉 Julie David / Jackie Head
WOMEN’S 80s
🥇 Betty Wachob / Susan Kimball
🥈 Andrea Polisky / Ann Loose
🥉 Suella Steel / Roz King