Vegas Spotlight

UNLV Women's Tennis - rebel female warriors

So after watching the UNLV men's team spotlight, you were probably thinking what about the women's team? Maybe, "How good can they be?". Even "I wonder what the author of this looks like". Prepare to be blown away. The talent and athleticism of the women's team rivals - if not surpasses that of the men's team. A female player not wanting to be identified boldly told me that the girls could beat any player on the men's side on any given day. I later received an anoymous call from another female player who revealed that the men were afraid to challenge them "because they didn't wan't to get hurt".

All kidding aside, the women of UNLV tennis are the real deal. The power and precision combined with an international style of play gives a WTA tour-event feel during both practice and match-play. Players of this caliber could play anywhere, college or pro, but chose to test their skills playing for UNLV. Led by coach Kevin Cory and Assistant Coach Mark Roberts, this program consistantly proves why it is ranked in the top 50 and is a threat to any program across the nation. Only so much enjoyment can be gotten from watching the video on Tennis Habitat. To truly appreciate the elite qualities, you have to see them in person. Come out and support Rebel tennis while the seaon is going strong. Show up once and you'll be a believer!

Click Here to view their schedule.

Vegas Spotlight

UNLV Men's Tennis - rebels with a cause

Remember the Tennis Channel Open? Huge serves, hard hitting, perfect technique, rallies longer than 3 shots, top-notch professional athletes? Yeah I miss it too. Before you shed any tears, you should know that pro-caliber tennis is still alive and well in Las Vegas! When Tennis Habitat was invited to film a practice session of the UNLV men’s tennis team, we were in awe. These guys can flat-out play! It was far more than good shots and strategy. These are elite athletes with ATP level skills. Led by Head Coach Owen Hambrook and Assistant Coach Beck Roghaar, this program is one of the best in the Mountain West Conference-if not the nation.

Even more shocking was the fact that the program is virtually unknown to local Las Vegas tennis community. During the season, our city has an incredible opportunity to not only support a great group of student-athletes, but also see the game played at its highest level. Oh yeah, did I mention it was free to the public? This is tennis in its purest form. No commercials, no corporate hype. Just top-notch athletes battling for ranking – not prize money. So come out and support Rebel tennis. Show up once and you’ll be a believer!

Click Here to view their schedule.

]]>$2 Tuesdays @ Red Rockhttp://www.tennishabitat.net/vegas-spotlight/2-tuesdays-red-rock.htmlWebmaster2009-02-02T00:31:53ZFebruary 2009

Vegas Spotlight

$2 Tuesdays @ Red Rock Country Club

When the team at Tennis Habitat heard that the generous staff at Red Rock Country Club had decided to open their doors to the tennis public through their newest offering, $2 Tuesdays, we had to investigate. When we arrived on the scene, we confirmed the rumors. Apparently, every Tuesday, members and non-members alike have an open invitation to compete in a social round robin mixer, all for only $2! What’s more, stringing, grips and drinks were only $2 a piece! How are they doing this? Who is behind it? We decided, it was best not to ask and spoil such a good thing. Where else can you play in a mixer, update your gear, have a drink and enjoy one of Las Vegas’ most beautiful tennis settings at such a low price? Don’t even answer that. I’ll do it for you – nowhere. You heard me! At the end of the night, our team left the facility with smiles on our faces and money in our pockets (that hasn’t happened in a while).

So come out to Red Rock for a little tennis action, a drink or two and a fun evening. 2 bucks for all of that? What a great idea. Maybe these guys should work on our economy next! $2 Tuesdays run from 6:00-8:00 PM, every Tuesday (Duh!).

Vegas Spotlight

Camp Bryan - Bryan Brothers Interview

Doubles sensation Bob and Mike Bryan came to Las Vegas to host Camp Bryan, a clinic and pro-am event for charity. Despite the winter wind and cold, amateurs and professionals battled throughout the day and entertained the crowd in the process. Bob and Mike were pleasantly surprised at the polished skills most of the amateurs brought to the table and were caught “applying themselves” every now and then to finish a point. At the end of the day, all of the matches proved to be competitive and smiles could be found everywhere.

After witnessing the high-level play, colorful characters and energized crowd, I couldn’t help but wonder why there aren’t more events like this in Las Vegas throughout the year. With such a large group of talented teaching pros, ex-tour and ex-college players living in our city combined with a robust tennis community, events like this are sure to be a hit every time. It is my humble, yet sometimes correct opinion that we have an underestimated resource of talent and support for the game we love. I honestly believe that in a city like Las Vegas, if you build it…they will come. Special thanks to Glen Alex for organizing this wonderful event.

Vegas Spotlight

Tennis Habitat 500 - Women's 4.0 Dubs

Nothing caps the Fall season better than a group of female athletes locked in battle – well, at least for me. The latest Tennis Habitat 500 tournament called upon the women of the 8.0 doubles division to come out and get it on. Some of the very best teams took to the courts of Desert Palm Tennis Club to see who was worthy of the $500 first prize. Competition was tough and the matches were long. To the crowd’s delight, just about every match went to a third-set breaker. When the smoke cleared, the team of Holmes and Marasco edged past the surprise dup of Smith and Manz. Cameras flashed, fans cheered and cold, hard cash was awarded.

The team at Tennis Habitat wanted to put together a series of tournaments that truly reward those looking to compete. Enter the Tennis Habitat 500. The Tennis Habitat 500 is a different breed of local tournaments. We blend a social environment, music and exciting locations with a crowd favorite – cash prizes. With events covering every gender and level, the only thing missing is you!

Vegas Spotlight

Darling #4 - Women's 4.0

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]]>Anthem - Men's 4.5http://www.tennishabitat.net/vegas-spotlight/2008/11/5/anthem-mens-45.htmlWebmaster2008-11-05T17:55:59ZNovember

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]]>TPC - Women's 4.0http://www.tennishabitat.net/vegas-spotlight/2008/10/28/tpc-womens-40.htmlWebmaster2008-10-28T18:03:23ZOctober 2008

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]]>Ann Rockwellhttp://www.tennishabitat.net/vegas-spotlight/2008/10/20/ann-rockwell.htmlWebmaster2008-10-20T18:42:39ZOctober 2008

Habitat: Thanks for joining us, Ann. Let’s start at the beginning. What got you into tennis?

Ann: My mother introduced me to the game. She was not a pro, but a very good player.

Habitat: You have had quite an exciting career as a player. Naturally after that, you transitioned into coaching. Tell me a little about that.

Ann: I didn't like teaching at first because I was interested in improving my own game, but after I realized how much enjoyment my knowledge would bring to others, I really got into it.

Habitat: We interview a lot of teaching professionals. To you, does it get boring after a while?

Ann: Teaching never gets boring to me. I love my clients, and really enjoy seeing people have fun while they are getting better.

Habitat: Tell me a little about your teaching philosophy. What is the key to bringing out the best in your students?

Ann: I do not teach everyone the same method. I try to be very creative and help them get better with the game they have. Keep the good things, and improve on the areas where they are making unforced errors. Many times the mental attitude needs an adjustment, so I go there as well.

Habitat: Your facility is right on the Las Vegas strip. Do visiting players enjoy the casino backdrop when they play?

Ann: Visiting players enjoy coming out, and most want to escape the casino. I have clinics almost daily, and they really enjoy mixing in with my local clientele.

Habitat: One final question, Ann. What is the biggest change you would like to see for recreational tennis in Las Vegas?

Ann: The biggest change I would like to see in recreational tennis in Las Vegas is more participation--juniors and adults, alike. Did I answer everything?

Habitat: Yes, you survived. Thanks again, Ann and congratulations on your induction into the Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame.