A Different Spring Break
Only a few schools were able to travel to Orlando this year.
Brian Ormiston | April 1, 2021
Spring Break Tennis typically features more than 300 college programs trekking to Orlando for a week of fantastic tennis in a memorable setting. However, due to the pandemic, budget crunching and some spring breaks being canceled, the USTA National Campus hosted just 19 men’s and women’s programs in 2021.
It certainly was a different scene at the facility and across the area as several courts in town also see full courts from spring breakers.
“The National Campus was definitely not as busy as years past,” said Northwood men’s and women’s head coach Mike Rose, “but the biggest difference we felt with the trip was that we didn’t go and play at any other locations.”
Even though matches and activities in Orlando were limited this year, coaches and players still found ways to make the most of their experiences.
“In the past we would go to an amusement park and play some miniature golf,” said Rose, who was an assistant coach when the Timberwolves traveled to Orlando in 2020 before the pandemic stopped the season. “This year we were excited to do more activities like paddleball, going to the beach and do kayaking tours.”
USTA consultant Paul Bellingham anticipates Spring Break Tennis in 2022 to bring back several schools who missed out on their annual spring trips.
“In a year that has seen such upheaval, suffering and tragedy throughout the world, we were thrilled that we were able to host any matches at all in 2021,” said Bellingham, who has worked closely with the USTA since the National Campus opened in 2017. “It not only shows you the resilience of our sport, but is also a huge testament to the coaches, athletic directors and student-athletes themselves. We are truly humbled by their determination to take spring break with us in 2021.
“Looking forward, we are anticipating a phenomenal year in 2022. Coaches from across the country have told us how much they have missed their Florida trip and are looking forward to returning in 2022. We remain truly grateful for the support of all our coaches, as well as the USTA. The National Campus is a truly awesome facility and I can’t wait to see the courts filled with collegiate athletes once again.”