When the Women’s Hospital 2013 Classic takes place Monday, July 15, through Sunday, July 21, a local tennis player will likely get a lot of attention.
Macie Elliott graduated from Reitz Memorial High School and will attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas in the fall to play tennis. This will be her first year to compete in the main draw of the tournament.
Elliott won the girls Indiana state tennis singles tournament held at North Central High School in Indianapolis as a sophomore in June 2011. This year, Elliott and Brenna Wu won their doubles semifinal and championship matches at the Indiana High School Athletic Association state championship in Indianapolis on June 8.
“I was chosen as a wildcard, which they usually give to someone local,” Elliott says. “When I heard the news that I would get to compete, I was really excited to get out there and show my skills.”
This is the 15th year of the tournament, which benefits the newly opened Evansville Tennis Center. The United States Tennis Association Pro Circuit event helps young women, usually ages 18 to 23, trying to become professional tennis players obtain enough points to qualify for the next level.
“Macie is a very hard-working, committed young lady,” Anna Hazlett, manager of the Evansville Tennis Center says. “She always strives to be the best, whether it is in academics or tennis.”
The tournament offers competitors $10,000 in prize money split between winners and finalists.
Events will take place throughout the week, including a family day clinic on Saturday, July 20, from 9 to 10 a.m. On the final day of the competition, Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream will provide free strawberries and ice cream to everyone who attends.
The tournament will take place outside at Wesselman Tennis Center. If it rains, it will be held indoors at the new tennis facility located at 5428 Davis Lant Drive, which is on Green River Road near Evansville Day School.
Admission to the tournament and clinics is free all week.
The Women’s Hospital – Deaconess Health System is the title sponsor of the event.
For more information, visit USTA.com or evansvilletennis.net.
