Tournament Recap: USTA Women’s Clay Courts Nationals
Jennifer Beindorf, Leora Grimshaw & Jennifer Rens
DATES: March 25 - 30, 202
LOCATION: Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center
DIVISIONS: 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s
A Week of Grit, Grace, and Great Tennis in Palm Beach Gardens
The USTA Women’s Clay Court National Championships for the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s divisions happened March 25 - 30, 2025 at the picturesque Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center. Under varied weather conditions (sunny, cloudy, rainy and windy) players from across the country came together for a week of fierce competition, resilient performances, and heartfelt camaraderie.
Highlights
Elite Competition Across the Board
Each division brought a remarkable depth of talent and experience. From the 40s to the 80s draws, the level of play was outstanding, with strategic shot-making, incredible stamina, and close matches that could’ve gone either way.
Locals Set the Tone Early
Florida locals Pollyanna Clark and Catherine Morgan kicked off the event with a three-set thriller in the first round of the 50s singles. This all-out battle set the tone for the week. Clark edged out the win in a match that symbolized the intensity and competitiveness that would unfold throughout the tournament.
Double Gold Achievements
This year was particularly special for a handful of standout athletes who brought home not just one, but two gold balls. Julie Thu, Jennifer Rens, Carolyn Nichols, and Susan Kimball each captured titles in both singles and doubles—an incredible testament to their stamina, focus, and all-court excellence.
Player Moments & Match Drama
Julie Thu vs. Tisha Kilburn – A Scoreline That Didn’t Tell the Story
Julie Thu’s final against Tisha Kilburn was a war of attrition in the early going, with long rallies and tight points that made it hard to tell who had the edge. By the time the dust settled, Julie had claimed the title 6-1, 6-0—a score that belied just how tough and evenly matched those first games had been.
Susan Love’s Comeback & Doubles Challenge
After dropping the first set to a gritty, up-and-coming player, Sylvia Kodsi, Susan Love dug deep to win a grueling three-set marathon that lasted nearly four hours.
She and doubles partner, Michelle Williams had barely cooled down before taking the court again against Stina Mosvold and Christina Kaus—a top-tier team of strength and smarts. In one of the week's most gripping matches, Kaus and Stina stormed back from a first set and 2-5 down to win just before nightfall.
Simone Vasconcellos was unseeded but handled gracefully the talented field of players ahead of her with her Brazilian clay court game. Her slice and net game prowess took out three of the number 5-8 seeds to reach the final.
Shelly Works’ Bronze Ball Run
Shelly Works carved her path through five intensely contested rounds, taking four of them and securing the bronze ball. She combined stamina with tactical adaptability, showcasing what looked like an evolution in her playing style.
Bunny Jackson and Carolyn Nichols – Friendly Fire
In the 70s final, doubles partners Carolyn Nichols and Bunny Jackson faced off after Bunny battled through the second and third seeds—both in three-set matches—to reach the championship. Nichols, dominant all week, didn’t drop a set en route to the final and managed to outlast Bunny 6-2, 7-5 in a thrilling and respectful showdown.
Epic Battles
Across age divisions, there were epic battles with one doubles match turning into a gripping three-set match that ended under the lights at 9:45 p.m. Jen Beindorf and Leora Grimshaw bravely outlasted Mariana Hollman and Stacey Williams in what many considered the most thrilling match of the tournament—an epic showdown of grit, endurance, and teamwork lasting until the final ball was struck under the lights.
Endurance on Display
Players adapted to long days on court—some competing for over seven hours daily—relying on electrolytes, bananas, and chocolate milk for recovery.
Strategic Play
The clay surface brought out players’ patience, footwork, and creativity. Slices, drop shots, and strategic sliding were pivotal “tools” in many matches.
Venue & Vibes
The Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center served as a world-class backdrop for the event. From the perfectly groomed clay courts to the player-friendly layout and shaded seating, the experience was seamless and enjoyable for both competitors and spectators.
Tournament Director Trish Faulkner was a steady presence all week, keeping everyone on track and ensuring that the tournament ran smoothly, even in the face of weather challenges. Her dedication and leadership were instrumental to the success of the event.
Weather & Conditions
Unlike previous years, this tournament enjoyed minimal rain delays. While wind was a factor on some days, many players turned it into an advantage—using spin, angle, and patience to outthink their opponents.
Community Beyond Competition: NWTO’s Role in Connection
While the tennis was top-level, it was the NWTO (National Women's Tennis Organization) that helped elevate the event into something even more meaningful. Their ongoing support, encouragement, and commitment to connection fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie that players felt both on and off the court.
NWTO played a vital role in building the tournament’s spirit of friendship, well-being, and shared purpose. From hosting a generous raffle to providing delicious food and refreshments, its presence created space for players to relax, share stories, and truly enjoy the journey together. Smiles were abundant, and conversations flowed about everything from match strategy to life, health, and the power of staying active through tennis.
Thanks to NWTO, this event wasn’t just about titles—it was about the bonds formed through shared challenges and mutual respect.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 USTA Women’s National Clay Courts was more than a tennis tournament—it was a celebration of passion, perseverance, and connection. From day-one battles and late-night finals to the clay-filled socks and the gold ball triumphs, the week showcased everything we love about competitive tennis.
As one first-time competitor put it:
"I’m hooked! These tournaments are addicting. I can’t wait for the next one."
View the tournament draws here: LINK.