Daniel Island Resident Shelby Rogers Is Ready To Serve!

Each year the Family Circle Cup brings the top professional female tennis players to Daniel Island from across the globe. But this year, one competitor won’t have to travel very far at all… In fact, 17 year-old Shelby Rogers can hop on her bicycle and ride over to the Family Circle Tennis Center from her home in Daniel Island Park if she wants!

A Daniel Island resident since 2004, Shelby first picked up a tennis racket when she was four years old in an attempt to be just like her mentor and older sister, Sabra. When she was eight, she began training at the tennis academy at the Family Circle Tennis Center. That same year, she had the opportunity to serve as a ball girl at the first-ever Family Circle Cup on Daniel Island, and the honor of handing Jennifer Capriati flowers following her win.

“I think it was really at that moment,” recalled Shelby, “that I decided I wanted to be in Capriati’s place. And I’ve been working and striving for that ever since then.”

This Saturday, April 10 Shelby will continue that dream in her first appearance as a player at the Family Circle Cup. A SMASH tournament win guaranteed her a wild card entry into the qualifying rounds this weekend. She’ll need two match wins to move ahead in the tournament.

Fortunately Shelby has something that the other players don’t – home court advantage! “Having my friends and family around me will definitely be a positive experience,” said Shelby. “It’s great to be able to play off the crowd. And I know the courts at the tennis center pretty well, which doesn’t hurt.”

Shelby’s last several weeks have been focused on intense training and practice with the help her longtime coach Bryan Minton, a former College of Charleston player and graduate who has been coaching Shelby since she was eight years old. For six hours a day, the duo has worked on Shelby’s tennis game, fitting in weight training and her online school schedule during her “off” hours.

Shelby moved with her family from Mt. Pleasant to Daniel Island almost six years ago. As residents of Daniel Island Park, they enjoy access to the Daniel Island Club’s tennis facilities, including Charleston’s only grass court. “Grass is a lot of fun to play on,” said Shelby. “The ball moves faster, and you have to be more creative and hit some big serves, but it’s fun.”

A high school senior, Shelby takes her classes online. “Online school is really great for me,” she said. “I can take the work with me when I travel to tournaments. It’s really flexible and convenient.” Set to graduate this June, she’s decided to take a year off before going to college to work on her game and play in more tournaments.

As for this weekend’s competition, her coach Bryan thinks she’s up to the challenge. “As long as she’s relaxed and having fun, Shelby will do great. She’s got a great mindset and she’s done the hard work. Now it’s time to put that hard work to play!”

UPDATE: Though she lost her match on Saturday to Christina McHale (6-4, 3-6, 6-1), Shelby did not disappoint the large crowd that came to cheer her on at the Althea Gibson Club Court. She played a great match against McHale, who’s more experience playing in professional tournaments helped her defeat the Daniel Island resident. And even though her time at the 2010 Family Circle Cup is over, Shelby Rogers is just getting started on the professional circuit so keep your eyes open for her!

Game, Set, Rock! Tennis. Ampliefied.

The countdown to this year’s Family Circle Cup is underway, and the anticipation and excitement can be felt throughout Daniel Island. In celebration of the tournament’s ten years in Charleston, organizers at the Family Circle Cup have some surprises in store this year, including Game, Set, Rock! Tennis. Amplified., a special night of music and tennis entertainment!

On Saturday evening, April 17, tennis celebrities John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Anna Kournikova will showcase their skills in singles and mixed doubles exhibition sessions at the Family Circle Tennis Center. The Blue Dogs, Charleston’s favorite country, bluegrass and roots-rocks sons, will be on hand to entertain the crowd throughout the event, and will end the evening with a special performance at the Family Circle Magazine Stadium.

“The Family Circle Cup is all about world class tennis. We are going to give it our best to match that level of excitement because the fans on Daniel Island expect top notch action,” said John McEnroe. “It’s going to be a great Saturday night in Charleston!”

Tickets for this exciting night of tennis are available at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone (800) 745-3000, local Publix outlets, and at the Family Circle Tennis Center ticket office weekdays from Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. Box Level seating will be available for $35, Terrace Level for $25, and Grandstand for $15.

For more information on the Family Circle Cup, taking place April 10 – 18, click HERE.

The Countdown is On for the 2010 Family Circle Cup!

The excitement has started to mount for next month’s Family Circle Cup, and with the tournament celebrating ten years on Daniel Island, there are lots of exciting events and surprises in store. Tournament officials are busy preparing the tennis center grounds for the world’s top players – including Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Maria Sharpova and many more – while island businesses and residents prepare to welcome fans to Charleston’s Island Town. Check out the video below for a sneak peek at what’s in store:

The action takes place April 10-18. Ticket information is available at www.familycirclecup.com.

Make your plans now to join us in April for this world-class tennis event!

Volunteers Needed for the 2010 Family Circle Cup

In just three months, thousands will descend upon Daniel Island for the Family Circle Cup. In its 10-years on Daniel Island, the Family Circle Cup has become a favorite event among those involved in women’s professional tennis.

And in anticipation of this year’s tournament, the Family Circle Tennis Center has begun its search for the more than 500 volunteers needed for the weeklong event, taking place April 10-18, 2010.

Approximately 375 adult volunteer positions are available, as well as 175 adult and junior Ball Crew members, with a strong need for adult Ball Crew members.

“The success of the Family Circle Cup is built on the selfless contributions of our volunteers who place such an important role in the presentation of this world-class event,” said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “Their genuine Southern hospitality and outgoing personalities are a big part of why this tournament is so special.”

A good portion of the tournament’s pool of volunteers and temporary staff are island residents, who are proud to have this world-class event take place in their hometown and take pride in the fact that their contributions go a long way towards making the tournament a success.

“The hard work and dedication put forth by our volunteer base is amazing,” commented Jo Cooper, Family Circle Cup Volunteer Coordinator and Daniel Island resident. “When you pair the excitement of first-time volunteers with the experience of our veterans, it’s no wonder the event runs so smoothly.”

Take a look at the photo gallery below and meet some of last year’s volunteers, many of whom have been involved for years and will likely return for the 2010 Family Circle Cup.

There’s an assortment of volunteer opportunities available for the 2010 Family Circle Cup, sure to keep new and returning volunteers energized and busy throughout the tournament.

For more information about adult volunteerism, contact Jo Cooper at Jo.cooper@familycirclecup.com or leave a message at (843) 849-5309.

For more information about joining the Ball Crew, contact Dan Tumbleston at tumbled@knology or (843)367-0279.

Visit www.familycirclecup.com for additional information about the 2010 Family Circle Cup or to purchase tickets.

SERVE & RETURN: Serving To and From

By Dewey Caulder
Adult Tennis Programming Director
Family Circle Tennis Center

Generally, in singles, you want to stand closer to the center line. Standing too far away from the center line means you will have more ground to cover after the serve. However, at random times, I would encourage you to move around the baseline to create varying angles and a mental edge.

In doubles, serve standing wider on the baseline, mainly for coverage of the alleys. Roaming the baseline can bait your opponent into trying to hit certain shots based on openings they see, but can’t always hit.

Placement: BACKHAND, BACKHAND, BACKHAND…..
Try and serve your opponent’s weaker side until they start to return more effectively. In singles, on the ad side, standing a little wider will create an easy chance to do this. The net is lower on the serve, and will also allow you to hit a return with your forehand to the open court. In doubles, serve to backhand, but also to the service box tee so that your non-aggressive or aggressive partner will have more opportunities to poach.

Happy Serving!

Family Circle Cup, April 12 – 19, 2009

Charleston’s premiere tennis event is swiftly approaching, bringing to town some of the world’s top female tennis players, all ready and willing to steal Serena William’s title from last year!

Starting Saturday, April 11, the tournament will feature more than 50 players competing for a piece of the million-dollar purse. The line up includes World No. 1 Serena Williams, World No. 5 Vera Zvonareva, World No. 6 Venus Williams, World No. 9 Nadia Petrova, World No. 11 Victoria Azarenka and World No. 13 Caroline Wozniacki.

Throughout its 36-year history, the tournament has played host to some of the biggest names in the sport including Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin, Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati and Justine Henin.

2008 Champion Serena Williams at Family Circle Magazine Stadium

As one of the hottest tickets in professional sports, the Family Circle Cup is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a festival with some world-class tennis thrown in. During the week, fans are entertained with a variety of activities aimed at making their week on Daniel Island a memorable one. It’s an action packed nine days filled with high-level tennis and a host of other activities that have been created for all age groups from children to senior citizens.

For ticket information, call (843) 856-7900 or visit familycirclecup.com.

SERVE & RETURN: Perfecting Your Return

By the Daniel Island Club’s Tennis Professional, Ben Cook

Without a doubt, the serve and return of serve are the two most important shots in tennis today. If you have a big weapon, you will pick up a free point or two per service game. If you struggle, you will find yourself on the defensive end in your service games. This is why many players spend hours working on their serve.

The more neglected shot, in terms of practice time, is the return of the serve. If you have a strong return, take the offensive in many of your opponents’ service games and get more breaks. To be a better service returner, try to work on the following.

1.    While your opponent is going through his/her service ritual (bouncing the ball, etc.), make sure your feet are moving. Avoid being flatfooted.
2.    When the toss goes up, try to take a step or two going forward. This will get your momentum moving into the shot instead of being on your heels.
3.    When your opponent makes contact with their serve, you must get in split step. This will allow you to react better and be ready to move in either direction. Being flatfooted on your opponent’s contact will lead to missed returns.

So keep sending time working on your serve. But also find a partner to serve you some, and work on those returns. It will make you a better player.

Contributed by Ben Cook, Head Tennis Professional, Daniel Island Club

What helps make you a better tennis player? Comment below and share your insights with other readers!

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