Preseason continues: Tampa Takes on Atlanta at James Creek TC

INTENNSE Tennis

INTENNSE Tennis

— 2 min read
Preseason continues: Tampa Takes on Atlanta at James Creek TC

The second round of preseason matches are here! Team Atlanta is hosting Tampa on March 30 at James Creek Tennis Center. With a lineup stacked with collegiate standouts and seasoned competitors, both teams are bringing their best to the court.

Who will be representing the teams?

Team Atlanta

Coach: Marcelo Ferreira – Former FSU assistant coach and former head coach at Texas Tech, leading them to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. Captain: Michaela Gordon – Former Stanford standout, ITA Rookie of the Year, and All-American, bringing leadership and high-level experience.

Atlanta boasts a strong roster led by a mix of experienced professionals and rising talents:

  • Trent Bryde – Former Georgia Bulldog, NCAA doubles finalist, and top-ranked junior with ATP experience.
  • Luis Sampedro – 2024 second NAIA All-America team selection and ITA Singles All-American. Helped his team win both the NAIA national championship and ITA NAIA indoor national championship.
  • George Coupland – Former Mississippi State standout, two-time All-SEC selection, and key contributor to SEC Western Division titles.
  • Justine Lespes – Two-time NAIA All-American, three-time ITA All-America honoree, and 2023 NAIA Singles National Champion.
  • Salma Ewing – Former USC and LSU star, ITA All-American, and consistent top collegiate performer.
Team Atlanta (Justine Lespes, Michaela Gordon, coach Marcelo Ferreira, Trent Bryde, George Coupland)

Team Tampa

Coach: Pascal Collard – Experienced coach with a history of developing high-level collegiate talent.
Captain: Noureldin Adam aka Noori – Former ITF competitor and top NCAA player known for endurance and aggressive playstyle. He earned his first ATP point at just 16.

Tampa enters the battle with a roster full of talent and depth:

  • Raul Garcia – ASUN All-Freshman Team, ASUN Second Team All-Conference, and multiple conference wins.
  • Joaquin Benoit – 2024 ITA Southeast Region Senior Player of the Year, 2024 Peach Belt Conference Co-Player of the Year, and multiple conference and academic honors.
  • Amy Zhu – A former Michigan Wolverine who has dominated on the pro circuit! With eight ITF doubles titles and a career-high ranking of No. 381
  • Khrystyna Vozniak – Former collegiate standout with NCAA Doubles Round of 16 appearance and SEC Academic Honor Roll honors.
  • Jaeda Daniels – 2022 NCAA Doubles Champion, 2022 ITA All-American (Singles & Doubles), 2021 ITA All-American (Doubles), 2022 All-ACC First Team.

What to Expect This Sunday:

Both teams bring a strong lineup, and this matchup promises to bring a high level of tennis. Atlanta’s experience and proven track record give them an edge, but Tampa’s aggressive style and depth make them a formidable opponent.

Double matches start at 12:30 with men's singles.

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