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News of tournament teams

Team Uses Even Roster
To Advance To Mobile

captain calls team
"little engine that could"

By Captain Melissa Wiederkehr

This season, “Team Wiederkehr” the women’s 3.5 team from Fort Smith, Ark, has been “the little engine that could.”

Beginning the season with only ten players, members knew it could be a hard run to the 2012 USTA League Arkansas State Championships. Void of a star lineup,

Team Wiederkehr’s roster goes deep with consistent players who are working moms with a love for the game of tennis. One college student rounds out the team with never ending energy and a youthful perspective. Evident that they would not be the league champion due to a loss early in the season, Team Wiederkehr’s only chance for a state title rested on winning the mid-season tournament in Little Rock.

Little Rock proved to be a challenge as there were only seven members of the team available to play that critical first match. However, their opposing team was a player short as well, providing them an opportunity for a team win. Winning the first match led to a sweep of their pool and on to the final. Team Wiederkehr, came ready to play that Sunday and won the final 4-1!

At the State Championships in June, injuries plagued the team. Armed with sheer grit and determination, Team Wiederkehr pressed on to once again sweep their pool for a spot in the quarter-finals. Unfortunately, the team went on to lose in the semis 3-2. Despite the tough loss, the ladies went home with great memories and a time for physical healing. One member actually had back surgery within two weeks of the State Championship and is still recuperating.

Just when the season seemed to have come to an end, the team received some unexpected news. In the few weeks that followed the Championship, the winners had to remove themselves from the Southern Section Championships and Team Wiederkehr was given the bid to go to Mobile! The team soon realized that only nine players would be able to go. After much discussion, Team Wiederkehr decided that the opportunity to continue their incredible journey was too much to pass up!

Adversity builds community and that is true for Team Wiederkehr. A team void of drama and egos, Team Wiederkehr is led by a captain dedicated to playing it “right” every match and a group of ladies who will forever be part of an amazing Cinderella season!

 Team

 Arkansas Women’s 3.5

 Home Courts

 Fort Smith

 Captain

 Melissa Wiederkehr