Nate Hadwen wins the award by playing and winning more matches than any other player in the league this year. Nate made the playoffs in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. He also referred 4 new players into the league. This is Nate's 8th consecutive year in the league, and he is in our Hall of Fame (Top 20 all time) for seasons played, matches won, and players referred
Nate's tennis story:Receiving this from Gladiator Tennis is an honor. Outdoor tennis is my favorite, so I've always tried to play Gladiator. This year was probably the most fun I've had. I had the pleasure to win a 4.5 mixed doubles division with my talented partner Karie; make it to the finals in the 4.5 doubles tournament with my hard-hitting partner Chris, and capture first place in my fall singles division. I can tell you many players went out of their way to fit me in these flex schedules. I want to acknowledge all of the friendly and thoughtful players in the league, especially the mixed doubles league which was a big success and had some of the nicest players ever...really awesome and fun.
My involvement began about nine years ago while my photography business was in downtown Clarendon Hills. I saw a Gladiator flier at the new Starbucks in town. I gave it a shot. I had been out of tennis pretty much for 10 years bringing up two fairly cute bright girls...That was the beginning of adult organized tennis. It also opened doors. After brushing up, I won a division or two and I went on to win my park district league 4 out of 5 years. Then my USTA team won state and I now captain teams. I also run Lombard-Tennis-Meetup online. Meetups are a blast and also prepare players for Gladiator or USTA if they are interested. I've also derived the most satisfaction from giving private lessons and watching players jump levels and even go to nationals with my guidance and encouragement. As far as Gladiator goes, I'd recommend anyone try Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Doubles together or separately. The match deadlines are spaced smartly and you really become a better player and person on a weekly basis. Each has a unique set of challenges and I look forward to doing them all again.
People often ask me when I started. I was 8 at Eastview Park in Lagrange (now called Sedgwick Park). I also played tee ball and Little League, and even ice hockey there, one block from my home. Then at Camp Abnaki on Lake Champlain in Vermont there were two grass tennis courts and some old wood racquets. So when we weren't "escaping" down a dusty road to buy candy we taught ourselves tennis. I played regularly with my Dad and Sister and his work friends. Later on I made the Lyons Township HS team, a powerhouse, except Hinsdale was in our division :(. I gave up serious tennis for work and then college at WIU. I played a few excellent friends from my hockey team and continued to play for (blood and) fun until I rediscovered the game with Gladiator. I think one of the biggest contributions to tennis I can give back is to show what I believe Gladiator represents: Truly winning is more than a score. It requires sportsmanship.
Dara's contributions to the league and her performance in it as our most valuable player cannot be overstated. The league truly would not be the same without her. For the 3rd consecutive year she has earned the Gladiator of the Year award by referring 11 more players into the league (after referring 40 over the previous 2 years), PLUS finishing as the #2 player overall in the league in the 4.0 level for matches won during the course of the regular season.
Dara's tennis story: : I played tennis in high school, but was never very passionate about it. I took a long break from tennis, but about 8 years ago, as my kids got older and I started to have some free time, I rediscovered the game. Just as I started to really fall in love with it, a torn Achilles sidelined me for nearly 2 years. I have now been back injury-free for about 4 1/2 half years, and I can't get enough! I love singles, and learning to trust myself has made me a better doubles partner. I play in a number of leagues, but Gladiator is my favorite - I love the no-time limit, "all-in" format, and have met many of my favorite tennis friends through Gladiator. In fact, I have joined other teams and leagues with many women I met as opponents in Gladiators... I tell everyone who will listen about Gladiator Tennis, and I look forward to many more seasons!
Alex won his 2nd consecutive 5.0 title, and proved that last year's championship title was legit by defeating 4 time champion Zach Miller in the finals.
Alex's tennis story:
Growing up:My dad got me into tennis as soon as I was able to hold a racquet and I fell in love with it right away. Along with hitting with my dad, I spent a lot of weekends traveling to USTA tournaments around the Midwest working on my ranking.
High school: I played the #1 singles spot at Marist and qualified for the state tournament every year with my best finish being top 32. In four years at #1 singles I recorded over 100 victories in high school.
College:: I played for St. Francis University in Joliet and played in the starting lineup every season. Between singles and doubles over four years I recorded over 125 career wins for my school. So far, I've played 4 seasons of gladiator tennis. Three summer seasons while I was in college, and I was just able to play my first fall season since I just recently graduated.
Gladiator: I found out about Gladiator Tennis from my dad, who also plays in the league. He saw a poster at the Oak Lawn Racquet Club, where we play on a club team. Playing gladiator over the summers I was in college was a great way to stay in good form. Playing college level competition in the gladiator league kept my game sharp during my offseason. Now that I'm done with my school tennis career, gladiator allows me to stay active and continue playing competitively against some great players and really nice guys.
Undefeated in 2016 and sweeping through the playoffs without dropping a set, Adrian becomes our 4.75 playoff champion. This was Adrian's first year in the league, and we hope to have a 5.0 level for him in Chicago for 2017.
After a 24-2 record during the regular season, Mike breezed through the draw until reaching the semifinals against Joe Oleniczak. The two split sets before Mike prevailed in the 3rd and went on to win the final against Kevin Yarashefski. Mike is currently playing in the 4.75 level of the indoor league, but appears ready to move into our top level for 2017.
Mike's Tennis story: I started playing tennis in my mid 20's when I was living in the suburbs. After moving to the city, I started playing in competitive singles leagues and U.S.T.A. tournaments. In 2013, I finished as the #1 U.S.T.A. 3.5 singles player in Chicago. Currently I am ranked the #1 U.S.T.A. 4.0 singles player in Chicago.
Recently I moved to the suburbs and was worried I would not be able to find singles leagues to play in. Many of the clubs did not offer a large number of singles leagues. Then I found Gladiator and my problem was solved. I love the flexibility of the league, and how friendly and competitive everyone is in the league
This was Miriam's 1st year in the league, and she set the pace for all the players in the northwest suburbs, losing only 1 match all year. The playoffs were challenging, but she swept through without losing a set. A 4.5 level will be the new frontier for Miriam and the women's side of Gladiator Tennis in 2017.
Miriam's tennis story: : I started playing tennis when I was a college student in Brazil. It was a family activity with my brother and sister. After graduating college I lived 9 years in Japan, where also I played for fun, but not as often as I would like.
I came to America in 1999 and after some years I discovered Centre Court in Hanover Park, and that is the place I have been playing tennis since. For me tennis has always been a way to connect to people all over the world, no matter the language or the culture. Even now, the tennis courts are the place where my siblings and I still connect, whenever we reunite in Brazil. I always liked to play singles matches, and several people recommended me to join Gladiator. I procrastinated for awhile because I thought I would not be able to play the matches - I'm very busy with my work as a high school teacher and part-time college instructor. But the scheduling was very flexible, and I enjoyed meeting and competing with all the nice players I encountered in the league.
Tennis is a big part of my life, because as a teacher the stress, the management of students' behavior on a daily basis, the responsibilities, etc. are psychologically very demanding. Tennis is the way I can mentally relax. Now, I recommend Gladiator to everybody, and I am looking forward to the next season in 2017!
To win the 4.0 playoffs, you must play the equivalent of an additional 7 match season, starting in the Round of 64. Alex started this journey with an easy first round win, then pulled off an upset in the 2nd round of #1 seed Stan Stewart. The Round of 16 vs. Ethan Wozniak was one of the closest matches of the tournament, and Alex prevailed 6-1,3-6, 7-6 (10-6). Moving to the quarterfinals, Alex faced off against former 4.0 finalist Steve Bonamarte and won in 3 sets. Alex was then able to cruise through the semis and finals to win the championship in his first year in the league.
Alex's Story: First of all, it is my honor to be a part of the greatest event of Gladiator Tennis in 2016. I started to play squash because didn't enjoy sports under the hot sun that much. But after I watched Roger Federer's Wimbledon final against Nadal from YOUTUBE about 5 years ago, I was inspired to go buy some yellow balls and sticks (Yes, I become a huge fan of Roger since then, but I use Nadal's racquet J)
One of my friends introduced me to the world of Gladiator tennis and I have been really enjoyed every moment of scheduling, meeting, sharing and playing with new friends who have the same desire to play tennis that I do. After My first season (Spring) I had a wrist injury that pushed me out from the court for about 4 months. But I was able to come back to play in time to qualify for the playoffs and win! It was a very special moment for me. Being a part of Gladiator has been a great experience, and I look forward to being a good friend and competitor on the court with more Gladiators next year.
Dace has been an active promoter of tennis in the Chicago area for many years, and we are grateful to have her involved as one of the core players of Gladiator Tennis since 2012.
Coming off an injury that sidelined her for about 8 months, she was able to get back in the game just in time for our Spring Season. After an 8-4 record during the regular season, Dace peaked at the right time in the playoffs and defeated 2 players who she had lost to in the regular season in the quarters and semis. She defeated Sylwia Rakauskas in the final to win her first playoff champion trophy.
It's not easy to do, and only 2 other players have accomplished the feat in our 10 year history, but Andrea won her 2nd Playoff Champion title this year. Her first was at the 3.0 level in 2013, her first full year in the league. Like many gladiators, Andrea played earlier in life in college, then stopped playing after kids and work crowded tennis out of her life for awhile. She got back in the game after a long layoff in 2012, and has been recapturing her tennis game ever since. Maybe the 3.75 or 4.0 title is waiting for her in 2017!
Andrea's tennis story: : Tennis was and still is my passion. I didn't play tennis in high school, but played in college. After college I played USTA in tennis clubs in the Chicago area and joined various park district teams and tournaments in the city whenever I had the chance. I've played doubles here and there, but prefer to play competitive singles.
While my children were growing up, I stopped playing for many years and invested more time and money watching them participate in their sports and activities. I heard about Gladiator through a neighbor friend and saw a flyer. Not having played in awhile, but still having the passion to play, I thought Gladiator offered the perfect opportunity to get back into the game. It works in my schedule and my budget, and I have met some really nice people and fine athletes. I feel fortunate to be able to continue to pursue my passion for the game.
Joonhee entered the playoffs on a roll, having won his last 7 regular season matches. Another 7 challengers awaited him in the playoffs, and he picked them off one by one but had to overcome a stiff challenge from Sean Biagini in the Round of 16, 6-2,4-6,6-4. Tennis has been very, very good to him!:)
Joonhee's Tennis Story: I have played golf for over twenty years and my score is still higher than a dolphins IQ ?. I did everything I could to improve my game but golf still disappointed me. After hitting the worst score at my church's golf tournament few years ago, I decided to break up with golf and search for a new hobby. Then I found a Groupon tennis lesson by Naperville Tennis Club almost by accident. My family joined NTC right away and immediately fell in love with the game of tennis.
Last year, I won a Men's Single Round Robin trophy at the club, my first achievement in any sort of sport event. This humble achievement encouraged me and I joined Gladiator Tennis this year to play more matches. My first year with Gladiator Tennis was full of fun experiences meeting new players, learning from different styles, and participating in the playoffs. I am so looking forward to the next season.
Laurie started playing Gladiator in 2013 at the 3.0 level. She emerged this year as one of the top players at the 3.25 level, finishing with a 14-4 record over the course of the regular season and earning the #2 seed. She had to work hard in the playoffs, outlasting both Mary Satchwell (quarters) and Caryn Drovie (Semis) in 3 sets, before defeating Vanessa Druckman in the final.
Laurie's tennis story:My husband Howard and I are both over 50 and like to stay active. I decided tennis would be a good activity to share with him, so I started playing. Gladiator Tennis has proven to be a great way to stay in shape and meet some wonderful people. Besides playing singles, I also played mixed doubles with Howard. I love the flexibility of scheduling my matches and have found some fun people and interesting outdoor tennis courts in the process!
Carla got back in the game with Gladiator this year, and found her winning ways quickly. She was 12-2 in the regular season, and entered the playoffs on a 9 game winning streak. She rolled through the draw until she met #1 seed Santosh Gill in the semifinals. After dropping the 1st set and being down in the 2nd, she was able to dig deep and fight her way back for a 3 set comeback win. Her win over Sue Stalzer in the final earned her the champion's title in her rookie year.
Carla's tennis story:I started playing tennis in high school when my best friend and I decided to try out for the team. To my surprise, we both made the team and I fell in love with the sport. As my kids got older, I introduced them to the game. It was exciting to watch them play so I decided to get back into competition. I found out about Gladiator Tennis last year thru Groupon and decided to try it out. I've had a positive experience thus far and will continue on with my singles game in 2017. I like the flexibility of scheduling matches and enjoyed meeting others who love the sport. I'm also looking forward to playing more doubles tournaments with my kids next year.
It was a great surprise and awesome feeling to win my first Gladiator season! I had a tough semifinal match and all I could think about was "I'm not going to give up without a fight, one point at a time". It was nice to share this victory with my son. I'm hoping this win inspires him to not give up until the game is over.
Hockey, tennis in Ohio, and Crisis: Joe played 25 years of hockey but always wanted to play tennis. So in 2007 he took up the sport and played in a tennis ladder in Hamilton, Ohio where he lived. He enjoyed the sport for years until May 11th, 2015. On that day, he developed a temperature of 104 and went to the hospital. Doctors discovered that he had a blood infection that went into sepsis. Joe nearly lost his life, and did indeed lose his left leg which had to be amputated, along with the toes on his right foot.
Move to Chicagoland, Getting Back in the Game: This may have sidelined the average person, but Joe is not average. He had to learn how to get about with a prosthetic limb, plus he moved away from all the tennis he had known in Ohio, and came to the Chicagoland area. But 12 months later, Joe discovered Gladiator Tennis and got back in the game! He started off at the same level he had played at in Ohio, at 3.5. But he found that he had to adapt his playing style as he learned how to become more mobile with the prosthetic limb, and learn to play within new limits to his game. Moving down to 3.0 for the Fall Season, Joe was able to learn how to win again with a modified approach to the game. By the time the playoffs started, Joe was peaking at the perfect time, and had won 6 of his last 7 matches.
Playoff run:Joe's playoff run capped off the most heroic season in Gladiator Tennis history. This is no exaggeration - Joe overcame tremendous obstacles just to even get back in the game, and he was not done yet. He had 7 more matches to win to get through the draw, and almost lost in the very first round. He played Al Martinez and lost the first set 6-2. Down but not out, Joe won the next 2 sets and never looked back, winning every match after that in straight sets. You might say that this playoff run was emblematic of his life path - down but never out. Proverbs 24:16 says, "Though a righteous man falls 7 times, he will rise again".
More from Joe: "Thank our Great Lord for giving me life. I wasn't supposed to make it through the infection. My motto is "Any day is a great day to be on the tennis court". I'm also glad for the opportunity to play with my son Jason, who also played in the 3.0 singles league, and played doubles with me too. The two of us made it to the doubles final! This league is coordinated very well, and is the best organized league I've ever played in.
Before 2016, Vasu had been out of the game for 3 years, and it took him awhile to get his game back. He was 0-5 in the Spring Season, then started to convert some of those losses into wins during the Summer to go 2-4. For the Fall Season, Vasu began to hit his stride, going 5-2 and peaking at just the right time for the playoffs. He had a close round of 16 match, prevailing in 3 sets against Jyoti Mishra.
Vasu's Tennis Story: I am an avid tennis fan and tennis is the best thing that ever happened to me.
Growing up in India, I started watching tennis on TV with my dad/brother and loved the sport. My first memories were watching the Agassi/Courier/Chang generation. I moved to the US in 2000 and started playing casual tennis with friends in 2004 in Milwaukee. I was very fortunate to watch Federer/Hewitt and Federer/Djokovic live at the Cincinnati Masters tournament in 2007 and 2009.
I moved to Chicago in 2009 and had a very difficult time finding tennis partners. Then I accidentally discovered Gladiator from a Google search in 2010 and never looked back. I love how the league works, how easy it is to schedule matches and how competitive every player is. I feel like I am a pro because of the format and look forward to my matches every week. I took a break from Gladiator in 2013 due to my work schedule and came back to the league in 2016. I was very excited to be in playoffs and after winning the first of couple of playoff matches, I was determined to reach the semi finals and I am glad that I was able win the 2.5 championship. This gives me a great motivation to improve my game further and play better next year.
I look forward to be a part of the Gladiator family for many more years to come and play tennis for as long as I can. Thank you Gladiator Tennis for running an awesome league!
