Tournament Recap: 2025 USTA National Women’s Grass Court Championships
By: Isabelle Benoit
DATES: September 22–28, 2025
LOCATION: Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, CA
Pictured L-R: Mariko Fritz-Krockow, Kim Kouwabunpat, Isabelle Benoit
The 2025 edition of the USTA Level 1 Women’s National Grass Court Championships was a resounding success, hosted for the first time by Carlos Nunez Del Prado, Director of Racquet Sports at Mission Hills Country Club. A huge thank you to Carlos for his outstanding organization and hospitality throughout the week. From the thoughtful amenities: bananas, fruit, Gatorade, water, electrolytes, and ice available courtside all day to the tournament t-shirts and on-site stretching with a personal trainer, every detail was appreciated.
Despite the desert heat, which peaked above 100°F on several days, conditions were more bearable than last year. Players were surely grateful to be competing on grass courts rather than hard courts in such temperatures. Let’s hope for cooler weather when we return for the Level 1 Hard Court Nationals in October.
The tournament drew more than 80 women across age divisions from 30s to 80s, once again showcasing incredible talent and sportsmanship. A special shoutout to Andy Polisky for her tireless support at the tournament desk, and to all NWTO members who helped recruit new players and spread the word about our vibrant tennis community. The officials also deserve recognition for their dedication under these hot conditions. One of the highlights of the week was the player dinner at the beautiful Mission Hills Country Club. The evening was filled with great food, music, and camaraderie. Players reconnected with old friends and made new ones, and many hit the dance floor! NWTO Co-President Kathy Settles delivered an inspiring speech, spotlighting new member perks and NWTO’s growing impact nationwide. All in all, it was another fantastic week in the desert. We’re already looking forward to next year!
QUICK RESULTS
SINGLES
WOMEN’S 30s
🥇 Isabelle Benoit
🥈 Leslie Rose
WOMEN’S 40s
🥇 Mariko Fritz-Krockow
🥈 Jenna Boyhan
🥉 Erin Fleming
WOMEN’S 50s
🥇 Kathy Settles
🥈 Joanne Price
🥉 Michele Mouttapa
WOMEN’S 60s
🥇 Kathy Archibald
🥈 Ellen Markowitz
🥉 Marianne Dundon
WOMEN’S 70s
🥇 Betsy Kuhle
🥈 Patricia Purcell
🥉 Tina Karwasky
WOMEN’S 80s
🥇 Carolann Castell
🥈 Brookes Byrd
🥉 Sharon Ploor
DOUBLES
WOMEN’S 30s
🥇 Hannah Holladay/ Mariko Fritz-Krockow
🥈 Lauren Perl Lancaster/Millie Yablonicky
WOMEN’S 40s
🥇 Isabelle Benoit/Mariko Fritz-Krockow
🥈 Jenna Boyhan/ Erin Fleming
🥉 Valerie Tan/Darice Carnaje
WOMEN’S 50s
🥇 Darice Carnaje/Valerie Tan
🥈 Vivi Sofiana Marisca/Yoke Tanko
🥉 Joanne Price/Michele Mouttapa
WOMEN’S 60s
🥇 Kathy Archibald/Judy Newman
🥈 Ellen Markowitz/Kathleen Haigood
🥉 Kelly Ross/Krystal Meier
WOMEN’S 70s
🥇 Bunnie Jackson/Betsy Kuhle
🥈 Patricia Purcell/Betsy Savitt
🥉 Leslie Airola-Murveit/Andrea Barnes
WOMEN’S 80s
🥇 Andi Polisky/Carolann Castell
🥈 Elizabeth Barnhill/Sharon Ploor
🥉 Brookes Byrd/Sue McCandless
FULL RESULTS HERE