SJSports Online
High School Boys Tennis

High School Girls Tennis

Tennis Links

Event Spotlight:
Paul Goldstein Captures WTT Male MVP Honor
For The Eastern Conference Champion Delaware Smash

Thursday, August 7, 2003

By David W. Unkle
SJSports Staff Writer

After leading the Delaware Smash to the Eastern Conference Championship and a spot in the 2003 WTT Finals, Paul Goldstein was named the WTT Pro League Male MVP. For his success this summer, the League also awarded him a check for $15,000.

Goldstein was an integral part of the Smash's success this season, helping his team to a League-best record of 13-1and a trip to the WTT Finals. Goldstein teamed with Scott Humphries to finish the regular season as the League's #1 ranked men's doubles tandem, with a 63-46 record (0.578 pct.). Goldstein finished out the Men's Single's season ranked #1 with a win-loss record of 65-38 (0.631 pct.).

"This award is the result of a great team effort," said Goldstein. "We fought hard the entire season and I'm looking forward to the finals where I can help get a championship for the team."

Delaware Smash's Samantha Reeves Selected As WTT Female MVP

In only her second season of WTT Pro League competition, Samantha Reeves of the Delaware Smash was named the Female MVP and presented with a check for $15,000.

She was a key player for the Smash this summer, playing every game of women's singles and finishing the season as the #2 ranked women's player in the League with an impressive win-loss record of 62-42 (0.596 pct.). Reeves also paired with Liezel Huber on the League's #1 ranked women's doubles team. They finished with a record of 62-38 (0.620 pct.). Reeves was the Female Rookie of the Year in 2002.

"I'm thrilled to receive this award," said Reeves. "I fought hard the entire season in singles and doubles and had a blast with my teammates. I'm excited to see what we can do at the finals."

Sacramento's Daniel Nestor Named Pro League Male Rookie of the Year

Sacramento newcomer Daniel Nestor took home the WTT Pro League Male Rookie of the Year award and a check for $10,000 after his solid performance for the Capitals. Nestor and the Capitals clinched the Western Division Conference title with a win-loss record of 9-5.

Nestor completed his 2003 season finishing as the #2 team in men's doubles. He paired with Mark Knowles and Andre Agassi to post a 61-47 win-loss record (0.565 pct.). Nestor also competed in Men's singles where he finished ranked #4 with a win-loss record of 49-46 (0.516 pct.).

"I had a terrific time this season," said Nestor. "The talent in this League is amazing and I look forward to returning next season."

Bea Bielik Takes Home WTT Female Rookie of the Year

Bea Bielik, of Valley Stream, N.Y., was selected as the WTT Female Rookie of the Year for her outstanding play with the New York Sportimes. Bielik helped the Sportimes this season to a win-loss record of 7-7.

Bielik dominated the team's women's singles play finishing #3 in the League with a record of 43-35. She also teamed up with her Sportime teammates to compete in both women's doubles and mixed doubles.

"This is unbelievable... I can't believe I received this award," said Bielik. "I had a great time with all my teammates this season. I hope to get the Sportimes to the finals next year."

Brad Dancer of the Delaware Smash Nabs Coach of the Year Honors

In his fourth year with WTT, Brad Dancer of the Eastern Conference Champion Delaware Smash was named the 2003 WTT Coach of the Year. Dancer's squad possessed the best overall record in the WTT Pro League and is headed to New York for a chance to win the coveted King Trophy. Currently the head tennis coach at Fresno State University, Dancer led the Smash to the WTT Finals in 2000, where they lost to the Sacramento Capitals 21-20.

"This award means a lot, but it was the culmination of the team effort that makes it so special," said Dancer. "Our team set a goal to win the King Trophy from the beginning of the season and we've got the opportunity to do that in a few weeks."

2003 WTT Pro League Postseason Awards:

WTT Male MVP - Paul Goldstein, Delaware Smash ($15,000)

WTT Female MVP - Samantha Reeves, Delaware Smash ($15,000)

WTT Male Rookie - Daniel Nestor, Sacramento Capitals ($10,000)

WTT Female Rookie - Bea Bielik, New York Sportimes ($10,000)

WTT Coach of the Year - Brad Dancer, Delaware Smash

2003 WTT Finals
When: Saturday, August 23, 2003 - 2:00 p.m. (EST)
Rain date: Sunday, August 24, 2003 - 10:30 a.m. (EST)
Where: USTA National Tennis Center - Court #11
Who: WTT Eastern Conference Champion Delaware Smash (13-1) vs. WTT Western Conference Champion Sacramento Capitals (9-5)

©2003 South Jersey Sports Online Inc.