Maureen Connolly Brinker Team Spirit Award
Many of the nation’s most promising junior tennis players compete in the WTT Junior Nationals. The tournament is a premier national junior invitation event featuring 16 co-ed teams from throughout the U.S. The teams use the WTT format during three days of non-elimination draw competition. In addition to the competition, players also participate in educational seminars and a clinic hosted by event host and WTT co-founder Billie Jean King.
The “Maureen Connolly Brinker Team Spirit Award” is presented to the one team in the WTT Junior Nationals that exemplifies Maureen Connolly’s legendary love of the game, her competitive spirit, her commitment to fair play and her respect and high regard for others. The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation provides a $1000 grant to be used for travel expenses for the team that wins the “Maureen Connolly Brinker Team Spirit Award.”
In 2012, WTT Junior Nationals celebrated its 17th year of providing a fun-filled, educational and highly competitive event to junior players from across the U.S. The unique WTT format provides fast-paced, co-ed team competition that is exciting to play and watch. Junior players have the opportunity to continue their Mylan WTT experience at the intercollegiate, professional and adult recreational levels.
Hawaii Warriors (pictured above), representing the USTA Hawaii Pacific section won the Maureen Connolly Brinker Team Spirit Award in 2012 which is voted on by coaches, players and tournament officials for a team’s outstanding sportsmanship and camaraderie. Hawaii Warriors received a $1,000 check along with the award. Team members of Hawaii Warriors are Harrison Ladera of Aiea, Hawaii; Braxton Chong of Honolulu, Hawaii; Kyle Motoshige of Wahiawa, Hawaii; Chloe Gadsden, Yigo of Hawaii; Jade Griffin of Honolulu, Hawaii; and Shelby Baron of Honolulu, Hawaii. Mimi Kennell is coach of the Hawaii Warriors.
Photo: Mylan WTT