Tournament Recap: USTA National Women’s Intersectional Team Championships

Cindy Babb

DATES: November 6-12, 2023
LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ
DIVISIONS: Level 2, 35-85

The 2023 Women’s Team Intersectional Event is in the books! Over 350 women tennis competitors descended on the courts of Phoenix Tennis Center November 6-12. Matt Gleason and his capable staff worked their usual magic, kept matches on schedule, and the weather cooperated beautifully. In fact, not a cloud was seen in the sky the entire week!

If you have the time, check out the NWTO Instagram account (at nwto.tennis) to see some great pictures that were captured during the week of competition. A very cute “Passing the ball” video was also filmed by the 35 and 45 girls. Passing the ball is exactly what we have done since way back in 1987 when Carol Wood and a dedicated group of players from the Northeast held the first Intersectional event in Virginia Beach, VA, with 123 players from 11 sections. NSWTA and now NWTO have figured heavily in the sponsorship and success of all subsequent Intersectional competitions. This year’s success was no exception. It is reassuring to know that the ball has been passed to some very capable and creative leaders and we thank them for their efforts on our behalf. When the ball is passed to you, catch it and run with it! You won’t regret it!

The Thursday night banquet was a festive and fun event. Sheila Weinstock was presented the inaugural Belmar Gunderson Leadership Award and Colleen Clery Ferrell received the Margaret Russo Award. The band kept the dance floor busy until closing time and we hope they will clear their schedule to join us November 11-17, 2024, in Plantation, FL!