Level 1: USTA National Women’s Singles and Doubles Championships (Odds)
Lori Robertson
DATES: March 27-31, 2026
LOCATION: Pelham, AL
DIVISIONS: 55s, 65s and 75s
I’ll admit it—I came for the crunchy ice. But most of the gals? They came for high-level tennis, top-notch facilities, Southern hospitality, and the chance to catch up with friends.
It was a true pleasure to compete at Pelham Racquet Club, a fantastic public facility with 14 clay courts and nine hard courts. Tournament Director Ryen Valentine once again ran the tourney, juggling this event alongside the National Husband/Wife and National Mixed tournaments. The entire staff helped make the tournament a success—special thanks to Alison, Meredith, and Marie, as well as USTA officials Robert and Michelle.
The amenities didn’t disappoint: a well-stocked tennis shop, clean showers, and an on-site trainer to keep us moving. Best of all, tucked away on the side of the main building is the massive gray rumbling ice machine, delivering an endless supply of that soft, crunchy, irresistible ice.
NWTO showed up strong. Big thanks to the volunteers who staffed the table. One evening featured an NWTO social with plenty of food and drinks, followed by the annual meeting. Thanks to the collaboration between the tourney and the NWTO, players also enjoyed a $20 discount at the tennis shop. The tournament-hosted buffet dinner at Ballantrae Golf Club was another highlight, offering a relaxed atmosphere, socializing, and plenty of food.
The tennis events included 32 singles players and 21 doubles teams amongst the three age divisions (55, 65, and 75). Women traveled near and far to compete- across oceans, across the country, across states, and from the local commuting area! Practice and warmup courts were easy to jump on and first matches typically began at 9 am. Temperatures were pretty much perfect for playing tennis, but the wind was not so cooperative. Everyone seemed to notice and account for (or complain about 😛) the ever-shifting side and diagonal winds. Main draw play finished up on Monday and consolation on Tuesday.
Level 1 tournaments like this are special. Yes, the tennis is competitive—but it’s the camaraderie that really stands out. These are women who compete hard, laugh easily, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Old friendships were strengthened, new ones were formed, and many of us had the chance to face opponents we’d never played before. So go ahead—put Pelham on your calendar for next year. Come for the tennis and camaraderie… and I’ll show you where to find the crunchy ice.
Pictured: Meredith Stiehm (L) and Andrea Askowitz (R)
Pictured: Leslie Pixley (L) and Candia Barry (R)
QUICK RESULTS
WOMEN’S 55s SINGLES
🥇 Kathy Settles
🥈 Kelly Phillips
🥉 Andrea Askowitz
WOMEN’S 55s DOUBLES
🥇 Kathy Settles / Gail Gibson
🥈 Sue Kaleel / Kristen Charlton
🥉 Lori Robertson / Michelle Williams
WOMEN’S 65s SINGLES
🥇 Fran Chandler
🥈 Lori Robertson
🥉 Anne Frautschi
WOMEN’S 65s DOUBLES
🥇 Ann Young / Kim Dean
🥈 Norri Collier / Holly Perry
🥉 Maggie Corbin / Corey Reese
WOMEN’S 75s SINGLES
🥇 Gwenda Ward
🥈 Toni Novak
🥉 Barbara Starnes
WOMEN’S 75s DOUBLES
🥇 Liane Bryson / Judy Dixon
🥈 Barbara Starnes / Ann Eaton
🥉 Leslie Pixley / Candia Barry