Mary Maragos - USTA

Habitat: So over the years, has there been good growth in local league play?

Mary: The USTA/Nevada league program continues to grow each year at a rate that exceeds most growth in league tennis throughout the United States. The USTA/Nevada offers up to 16 different leagues to accommodate every aspect of a players game and desire to compete.

Habitat: I noticed the USTA offers a mixed doubles league. Is that league just as competitive, or a bit more laid back than the traditional leagues?

Mary: We actually offer 3 different Mixed Doubles Leagues throughout the year. In the spring there is the USTA Mixed Doubles League that consists of the combined NTRP ratings of 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 and 10.0. The Mixed Doubles Leagues are competitive but seem to have a more social feel to them. The teams that play usually consist of family members and close friends.

Habitat: I imagine your schedule is pretty hectic, taking care of the city’s players. Do you have a chance to play often?

Mary: Since I accepted this position with the USTA/Nevada 4 1/2 years ago my time on the courts has definitely decreased but I am still fortunate to get out about 3 times a week. I participate in the Ladies Weekday League, the Adult Leagues and the Mixed Doubles League.

Habitat: You mentioned that the NTA is supporting a public parks program throughout the valley. Tell me a little about that.

Mary: We (NTA) offer affordable lessons in our public parks in both Las Vegas and Henderson to players from the age of 4 to adult. We have certified Pro's teaching the classes and provide the balls as well as racquets to any participant who does not have one. For more information on those classes, interested players can call Diana at 792-8384.

Habitat: For the most part, tennis has a pretty close-knit community in Las Vegas, business-wise and socially. In the next few years, do you think more coaches and training facilities will locate here and make the city a player “hot-bed” like California or Florida?

Mary: With the pleasant weather in Las Vegas, as well as the entertainment available, I believe we can surpass California and Florida and make Las Vegas the "Tennis Hub" of the West. I would be thrilled to be a part of such an expansion of the game of tennis.

Habitat: Who is your favorite player on tour?

Mary: As far as the Professional tour, I really don't have a favorite player. I really enjoy watching the Bryan brothers play. What I find so amazing about the Bryans are the family values that were instilled in them from a young age.

Habitat: Which local player is the most entertaining to watch?

Mary: The Nevada tennis community has such a wide range of players that it would be impossible to narrow it down to one or two players that I would watch. Nevada really has a lot of great tennis players that are not only fun to watch on the court but are wonderful individuals off the court.

Habitat: If you could change anything about local tennis, what would it be?

Mary: From my aspect of the job, we are running out of courts to use and will eventually have to start scheduling the Adult League's on different nights of the week, simply because we don't have enough courts available for league play. It is my belief that if more tennis courts became available for league play there would be no end to the opportunities the USTA/Nevada could provide for their members.

Habitat: Thanks, Mary.

Comments

[Anthony Evanoff]

Hey Mary, I had no idea that your position of District League Coordinator was so complicated! You did a great job on the video, very funny. Keep up the good work at the NTA, we appreciate all that you do.

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