gold medal match in their first time teaming up in a tournament , creating one of the most wholesome moments of the week .
“ It was great to return to Billie Jean King National Tennis Center ,” said Koop , who competed in the US Open tennis event as a teenager . “ Playing at the US Open and returning for pickleball was very nostalgic . The atmosphere of New York is unlike others as an athlete . These are the types of venues that kids dream of playing in as children , and I see myself as lucky being able to compete here in multiple sports throughout my life . The APP securing this spot as a stop on the tour has added an extra ambiance to pickleball this year .”
Kicking off the historic week was the Melissa McCurley Cup , where 72 of the top senior pros were split into two teams competing for a $ 15,000 first-place prize . The event also included a luncheon featuring honorary
“ Official Melissa McCurley Cup Photo ”— a dedicated event for senior pros .
speaker Katrina Adams , former president & CEO of the USTA and chair of the US Open . Team East , led by captains Mircea Morariu and Linda Thompson , emerged victorious in the competition .
To stay updated on the APP Tour visit
apptour . org , follow its official Instagram and Twitter accounts (@ OfficialAPPTour ), and like “ APP Tour ” on Facebook . •
NEW YORK STATE OF MIND
Empire Games pickleball players celebrated at the Hollywood Restaurant in Cortland , NY . In June , 468 competitors played at two venues on the SUNY Cortland campus .
Seated ( l to r ): Laurie O ’ Connell-Bishop , Bonnie D ’ Andrea and Chris Van Niekerk . Standing ( l to r ): Kathie Hagner , Teresa Wuerdeman , Chris Thomas , Diane Keller , John Haher , Ria Van Niekerk , Diane Fronhofer , Kevin Cafaro , Deborah Stacey , Terry Wiart , Maurice Wiart and Dale Norris .
JULY / AUGUST 2022 | MAGAZINE 61