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After a wildly successful winter season, kids in the youth tennis program at Shippan Racquet Club were ready to party. The five teams, whose players range in age from 8 to 18, gathered at the Stamford club to celebrate their achievements with pizza, cake and awards. All five qualified for the state championships, to be held this summer in New Haven.
"There really is no one reason these teams were so successful. All these kids really make up a team," Shippan team mom Mary Alptekin said. "This is one of the biggest groups we've ever put together and it's just such an incredible accomplishment that all five teams are going to states."
Aidan Reilly (10-and-under), Susie Alptekin (12-and-under), Charlie Brooks (14-and-under intermediate), Anna Rogers (14-and-under advanced) and Phillip Goransson (18-and-under) were named most valuable players in their age group. Sportsmanship awards were given to George James (10-and-under), Quentin McDermott (12-and-under), Amanda Sload (14-and-under intermediate), Alex Kane (14-and-under advanced) and Ana Perez (18-and-under). Shiloh Williamson (10-and-under), Nathalie Perrault (12-and-under), Harrison Walter (14-and-under intermediate), Arthur Cassidy (14-and-under advanced), and Priyanka Arora (18-and-under) were named most improved players. Lindsey Evans was named Shippan Racquet Club youth rookie of the year.
"I'm over the moon. We've had such a good time with them this season," Shippan 10-and-under coach Alrdrin Dinya said. "We've loved playing, traveling, competing and, of course, winning. The kids have learned a lot this year."
The Shippan Tornados, Wild Fires, Hurricanes, Stormers, and Twisters will all compete in the Connecticut State Championships in New Haven in August.
What do you think of Shippan's success? Start the discussion below!
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