The Bonita National Golf & Country Club’s Women 65-plus 6.0 team punched its ticket to the United States Tennis Association Nationals after finishing runner-up at the Orlando Sectionals.
The team, in their second and most likely final year together, is looking to represent Southwest Florida on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“I’m not sure we had expectations of ever getting that far,” said co-captain Ellen DiChiara. “But all of the sudden we won down here in our local area and we got to go [to sectionals] and were absolutely ecstatic because that was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. … We worked really hard to get to sectionals, and we did exceptionally well.”
After falling in the finals in Orlando by two points, the Bonita Springs Golf & Country Club team received word that the winning team bowed out of the USTA League 65 & Over 6.0/9.0 National Invitational, so they were invited to take their place at the Surprise (Ariz.) Tennis & Racquet Complex.
“I will tell you that once we saw how well we played in sectionals, we are going in with a much more positive attitude,” DiChiara said. “I think it has boosted our confidence. Again, we do know what we’re up against. But we know we have just as much of a chance as anyone to do well.”
Both captains say the team’s cohesion is an invaluable part of the team’s successes. In a sport than can be filled with drama, they’ve all been able to keep the synergy high and the attitudes uplifted.
“If you’re familiar with ladies women’s teams, usually there’s a lot of drama involved,” said co-captain Robin Gale. “But for us, everybody just wanted what’s best for the team… It makes every difference in the world. Sometimes in tennis, you feel like some people aren’t rooting for you even though they’re on your team. And there was none of that on this team, it was all positive from everybody. We all respect each other, which, I think, is a big part of it too.”
Regardless of the outcome, the team members know how unique of an opportunity it is to play in the national tournament. And in their respective age bracket, they know there’s a chance they’ll never get the opportunity again.
“Our team as it is, will unfortunately be disbanded, we’re trying to find a home for it,” DiCharia said. “It’s sort of bittersweet for us, it’s a farewell hoorah for all of us. These ladies put their very best out all the time. … It’s a wonderful feeling for anyone, but especially at our age, knowing this is kind of our last hoorah to go to something special like this.”
“I think everyone on the team realizes what a special place we’re going to, and what a special tournament this is,” Gale said. “Even if we stay together as a team, we may never get this opportunity again. But everything’s just clicked for us this season, and hopefully it keeps clicking [in Arizona].”
The team leaves for Scottsdale on Thursday and is guaranteed to play on Friday and Saturday. Depending on how they do for the first two days, they’ll have a chance to advance to the final round on Feb. 4.
“I think it’s again, the camaraderie the two people that can’t play because we play four matches for sure,” Gale said. “So two people are going to have to sit out for each match. And I think just having that support system, and people instead of being upset about not playing, they’re there rooting the team on. It’s just a great group of ladies, and very unlike any other group of ladies I’ve been involved with in tennis. It’s it’s all about the team, which I think is why we got as far as we did.”