John hasn't yet lost a Gladiator Tennis match. He entered our top level in the Summer #2 season and finished 6-0 without dropping a set. For the playoff run, John did encounter a stiff challenge from Alex England in the semfinals, but won 6-2,4-6, 6-2. John defeated Nathan Easley in the final for the 4.5 title. We aim to create a 4.75/5.0 level in 2024 for John and a few other players whose UTR exceeds 7.00.
John's Story: When I was young my parents would go to the local park to play tennis. Initially I spent time at the playground next to the tennis courts but before long I had a racket in hand, hitting on the wall or taking my turn with my parents on the court. Next step was in youth leagues and then on to the high school tennis team. Once in high school I spent my summers working at a tennis camp. After high school I played tennis in college at the local D3 school.
While in college I started teaching at a local tennis club. After college graduation I job hunted but my hours at the club kept increasing. I ended up staying at the club as a full-time tennis instructor for several years then moved to Michigan when I was offered a college coaching position at a D2 university. While in Michigan I had much success, winning conference numerous times and consistently having both of my teams advance to NCAA nationals. In 2008 I was selected as the NCAA D2 National Coach of the Year. After 18 years in Michigan I moved on to St. Louis to coach at Webster University, starting about 3 weeks before the pandemic hit.
Now, with a family with the kids(11, 13) getting older, my free time is very limited. It’s been tough to get on to the courts & play as often as I’d like. When I heard about Gladiator I decided to give it a try. The flex schedule really worked well for me, and I met a lot of great people. It’s gotten me on court consistently and, with the weekly singles play, my game has sharpened up quite a bit from the beginning of the season to the end.
This was Ryan's 2nd crack at attempting to finish as 4.25 champion after making the finals in 2021. He entered the tournament after a 5-4 regular season record, and faced rival Jim Rhodes in the 1st round. Each had defeated the other during the regular season, and it was Ryan's turn to win this time 7-6,6-1. Next up was Brendan Czaicki in the semifinals, and Ryan had to mount a comeback to win 5-7,6-1,6-1. Ryan defeated Adam Rangwala in the finals to become 4.25 champion, and earn a promotion to our top level (4.5) for 2024.
Ryan's Story: I was around tennis as a kid but didn't really take it seriously until a friend invited me to join my high school tennis team when I was 16 years old. I started taking lessons and was able to play second singles my senior year. I stayed active in tennis through USTA for a bit, but after college life got busy and I took over 14 years off from the game. When COVID hit in 2020, I was wanting a hobby to get excited about and keep me active during a challenging time in my life when I found Gladiator tennis through an internet search. I've been active in Gladiator every year since! The competition is good, and I love playing outdoors and meeting new people.
Sam came out on top of 3 close contests to win the 4.0 playoffs in his 1st year of the league. Sam squeaked through a 3rd set tiebreak against David Gonzalez inthe quarterfinals, then defeated Steven Jabob in 3 sets in the semfinals. For the finals against Shantan Reddy, Sam was down a set before coming back to win in another 3rd set tiebreak, 4-6,6-3,7-6.
Sam's Story: I played tennis throughout middle and high school, but then took a ten-year hiatus. I joined a USTA team to start in February of 2023 and found out about Gladiator through a friend I often practiced with outside once it got warm. The combination of Gladiator and USTA leagues got me playing more often and I saw significant improvements throughout the year; beginning Gladiator at the 3.75 level and completing the season by winning the 4.0 playoffs. I enjoy the low barrier to entry of Gladiator, with scheduling around your calendar and finding free outdoor courts.
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Ann finished the regular season with an 8-7 record in the tightly contested 4.0 group, and she entered the playoffs as the #1 seed. Ann met 3 time finalist Beth Jameson in the 4.0 Final and in a nailbiter she manuevered her way to a very close victory 7-5,3-6,10-8.
Ann's Story: As well as being a lifelong runner, I played softball, soccer and basketball growing up. My only experience with tennis was watching John McEnroe on TV and playing once in a while with some old wooden racquets my brothers and I found in the garage. I didn't really start playing until my kids picked it up. We couldn't afford a hitting coach as often as they wanted to play, so I got a racquet at target and became their backboard, so they could practice their shots. My only goal was to keep it in play for them. I didn't really plan to play for myself, but one day when I was hitting with one of my sons the ladies on the court next to us said they needed a fourth for the next day. Then they invited me the next week and then I was officially in the group. All of a sudden, I was in love with this amazing game and I really wanted to play everyday. One of my new friends asked me to partner her in a local league. I met new people there and was eventually invited to play USTA in 2015 on a 3.5 team. I injured my knee and had to have surgery in 2016, so I had a little setback just as I was getting started, but I couldn't wait to get back. I wasn't too consistent that season, but I made some new friends and had a lot of fun, so I came back the next season. My team captain asked if I'd be interested in being one of their singles specialists, so I tried to find more singles players to practice with. Eventually, one of them told me about Gladiator and I've played every season since. I think playing over the summer with Gladiator helped me progress to sectionals with my USTA teams, which helped me move up to 4.0. I really love the Gladiator format and the opportunity to meet new people. This summer I even signed up with a friend to play doubles. I look forward to playing again next summer. I truly believe that it's helped me improve my game and prepare for my USTA seasons every fall. I recommend Gladiator tennis to all my tennis buddies.
Aditya joined the league this year at 3.5 and moved up to 3.75 for the playoffs. He defeated 2022 3.5 Champion Alex Kott in a 1st round nail biter,6-1,6-7,7-6. In the quarterfinals, Aditya had to go to a 3rd set again, prevailing over Matt Cissell 6-3,3-6,7-5. In the finals, Aditya defeated Mahesh Kumar in another 3 setter, 6-3,2-6,6-0.
Aditya's Story: I am from Mumbai, India and moved to the US in 2014. My tennis journey started in Dec 2022 with coach Dani at Vetta West. I got into tennis as I was bored running alone, even virtually, preparing for half marathons. Tennis gave me a good overall workout and helped me continue my love for racquet-ball games (played ping-pong through school). While I enjoyed my time at clinics and dedicated coaching sessions, I was scared to play matches. Mid-summer my friend tricked me into registering for Gladiator doubles and after enjoying two doubles matches I registered for summer #2 season at 3.5 level. Gladiator summer #2 divisional win gave me confidence to register for USTA this winter. I am excited to explore what tennis has for me and looking to come back even stronger next year.
Thank you Coach Dani, Gladiator team, Vetta West crew and all my opponents for supporting me through this journey.
Emily joined Gladiator Tennis this year and finished the regular season with a 17-4 record. One of her 4 losses was to Morgan Connell in a close 3 set match, and the 2of them faced off again in the 3.5 Playoff Final. Emily won the rematch to finish as 3.5 champion.
Emily's Story: I started playing tennis as a kid. My dad has always played tennis, so he helped me a lot when I was first learning the game. I took a lot of lessons, played many tournaments, and was on my high school team. After high school, I decided I was a bit burnt out on it until almost 10 years later when I realized I missed playing. In January 2023, I got into a USTA league, which then led me to finding out about Gladiator. Gladiator is such a fun way to get outside and meet new people. I'm very thankful for it and am already looking forward to next season.
Daniel entered the playoffs as the #1 seed after compiling a 14-6 regular season record. He managed to get past a stiff challenge from Matt Sprague in the quarterfinals, 6-2,6-7,1-0. In the final with Puviarasu Jagganathan, Daniel came back from a set down and edged out the 3-6,6-1,10-6.
Daniel's Story: I started playing tennis in High School in Dayton, OH. After High School, I took over a 10 year break from tennis and got back into tennis during the pandemic when I was living in Florida. This reminded me how much I loved the sport. My wife and I moved back to St. Louis in 2021 and I was looking for a league to continue playing. My friend Aaron Huber referred me to gladiator and I have been playing in the league since. Gladiator is the best league in St. Louis thanks to the flexibility the format offers and how nice the other competitors are to play against. I’ve enjoyed playing in the league and look forward to continuing to do so.
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Srujith had a 6-7 regular season record and suffered an ankle injury during the Summer #1 season. However, he was able to returnfor Summer #2 and did well enough to qualify for the playoffs. He managed victories over Raamakarthikeyan M, and Chris Brockman, winning both in 3 sets. Surviving these 2 rounds appeared to give him the confidence and momentum to carry though the quarters and semis in straight sets, and set up a final with Azher Sameer. Srujith defeated Azher in an epic 3 set final, 6-4,4-6,6-3 to clinch the 3.25 title.
Srujith's Story: I started playing tennis in 2020 during covid pandemic, to keep myself active and fit. But soon it became my favorite thing to do and part of my daily routine. Tennis made me stronger physically and mentally. Initially it was just a game to play with some of my known friends but slowly I made new friends on court and started playing with different groups. I got to know about Gladiator from one of my friends and I got interested in the format. I started gladiator in 2021 with 3.0 and by 2022 it went to 3.25 and reached to 3.5. I learnt new techniques by playing with different players which helped me focusing on my strengths and weaknesses. I won my division in a couple of seasons and played year end finals last year but lost in quarters. This year I couldn’t play most of the matches in summer league 1 due to my ankle injury, but I was able to get into the year end playoffs and I finally won it. I am very happy to win and it encourages me to practice more and improve my game.
I like the division of groups based on the skill set, and the organization and competition’s format are good. It is developing a tennis community in St. Louis and I appreciate it. I will continue playing gladiator in the coming years.
Deb joined Gladiator Tennis this year in our final season of the year, finished with a 5-2 record, and qualified for the playoffs by winning her division. She was able to motor through the playoff draw without losing a set! Congratulations Deb!
Deb's Story: I started playing tennis MANY years ago with the neighborhood kids- in the middle of the street, no net, and the goal was not to let the ball go down the sewer.
That must have been good practice because I then found myself playing singles on my high school team and loving it.
Fast forward 40 years when a friend introduced me to Pickleball last year. I quickly picked up the game and started playing regularly at Vetta West. While playing one Saturday night, Avinelle Malone innocently asked me if I’ve ever considered playing tennis. I laughed and said, no way, it’s been too long.
This summer, I grabbed an old tennis racket from the basement, and after playing Pickleball, I went over and started hitting against the handball wall- and it all started to come back. I dropped in on a local tennis clinic and someone mentioned how much fun playing Gladiator tennis was. I signed up and started playing. I love the flexibility and format of Gladiator and it’s been great meeting new people. I currently play USTA and look forward to Gladiator in 2024.
Jonah joined the league this year and finished the final 2 seasons at 3.0 with a 7-5 record. He survived a 1st round 3 setter with Steven Skawski, 6-2,6-7,6-2, then won the 2nd round and quarters in straight sets. For the semifinals, Jonah faced off for a rematch with Amit Lakkad. The two were close rivals, having played twice in the regular season, each winning once. Jonah defeated his rival 6-4,4-6,6-3 to advance to the finals, then defeated Luis Hevia in the finals.
Jonah's Story: I fell in love with tennis at age 7, but growing up in rural MO there were never any opportunities. It was always just playing against the side of the house. Then I moved to St Charles and was told about Gladiator. It's been a year and a lot of fun.
Avinelle finished her 1st year in Gladiator Tennis as 2.5 Champion. Her playoff run included matches with Marcie Dixon, Brittany Moses, and Cara Artman (finals). Avinelle looks tobreak through in the 3.0 level for 2024.
Avinelle's Story: The trajectory of my life changed dramatically when we enrolled my son in his first red ball clinic. Growing up in a farming community with little exposure or personal interest in tennis, I would never then have guessed how immersed in the tennis community I would become.
I learned tennis along with my son and he quickly outpaced me. As he got more involved with the competitive side of junior tennis, I cultivated the social aspect of adult league play. What I love most are the friendships that have emerged while improving my game. I approached all my Gladiator matches as a new opportunity to build a tennis connection. I now work at a tennis club and often recommend the Gladiator league for those seeking more competitive play options.
Nathan joined the league in the final season this year and was able to qualify by winning the division with a 6-1 record. En route to the 2.5 title, he had to overcome a big hurdle in the quarterfinals when he had a rematch with Mohammed Anwar, a player he narrowly defeated in the regular season. Once again, Nathan was able to pull out a close 3 set win, 6-2,5-7,6-4. Nathan defeated Charles Hang in the final.
Nathan's Story: I have always been interested by tennis. I have always loved the mix of physical and mental battles between opponents. I especially love the individual aspect of the sport leaving players with no one to blame for mistakes but themselves. I have played recreationally a bit but never tried competitive tennis before. My friend Marcus invited me to try Gladiator and I have had a blast learning and being able to play in a competitive and friendly league. One large take away I have learned is that in order to succeed in amateur tennis consistency is key and a well rounded game is required. Taking the time to work on the weaker points of your game and learning new shots can make all the difference in future matches. Gladiator has been a great learning opportunity for me and I especially enjoy everyone’s eagerness to improve in this league, learning on our own and from each other. The community around this league is amazing as well with plenty of friendly people to meet and play tennis with. I have begun to get involved in USTA league tennis and cannot wait for the next season of gladiator to continue growing my game and meeting new players!
