My weekly post for The Tennis Recruiting Network is a review of the ITF Grade B1 in Tulsa that I covered last week. The girls champion there, Melanie Oudin, has not only dominated the juniors, but she is really showing what she can do on the next level at this week's $50,000 event in Lawrenceville, Ga. near her hometown of Marietta.

Yesterday, Oudin, a wild card, took out the second seed, Jorgelina Cravero of Argentina, ranked 107th on the WTA tour's computers, and today she followed up that big win with another one (always a tough task for a junior), defeating Varvara Lepchenko, who is ranked 140. That would be impressive enough, but to beat both in straight sets (6-4, 6-4 yesterday; 6-2, 6-4 today) adds to the accomplishment. For complete draws, see the Pro Circuit section of usta.com.

As promised, here are the names of the boys who have been accepted into residency at the Boca Raton USTA National Training Center. I'm not going to publish anonymous comments on these selections. I am still hoping to obtain the list of girls there.

Carlos Bermudez
Chase Buchanan
Frank Carleton
Emmett Egger
Lawrence Formentera
Mousheg Hovhannisyan
Evan King
Raymond Sarmiento

the girls list is chanelle van ngyen, stephanie vidov, christina mchale, allie will, madison brengle and ashley whienhold.

"most accomplished female tennis player to come out of New York city in the past 20 years".

Who was the last one? I can only think of Mary Carillo but that's back in the 70's.

its an interesting method the usta uses in its development ideas. And very subjective. I have seen Channelle Van Nguyen at almost every U.S ITF event since she was age eligible. She is accompanied by usta coaches, and I believe (may be wrong) physical trainers as well. This, in addition to the training/instruction she has recieved has been 100% paid for by the usta, and they have had her from a very young age (again, may be wrong, but I "think" since age 9 or 10). If she does not end up making a dent in the WTA it will not be because of any lack of oppurtunities and financial assistance. If she does "make it" it will truly be a great success story for the usta. Someone they taught, and they nurtured. Nothing in my opinion is suggesting that she does not deserve to be included among the girls selected in usta residence. She has had nice results, and seems to continue to improve. Its just IMO an interesting, and rather limiting usta philosophy, considering the vast number of kids who were probably in the same boat as Channelle at the age of 8-9-10. Kids with limited financial resources, and perhaps non-tennis playing parents. This type of support, IMO needs to be expanded, rather than limited to the opinion of a few, and the selection of a few.
thanks
Daniel T

Any guess as to what other boys were asked and declined (i.e. the Harrisons?), leading to the eight listed on the page?

It's my understanding that the process began with the player, i.e. the family applies, the USTA accepts or declines. It wasn't an invitation from the USTA, although they may have informally encouraged players to apply.

Do any kids train full time at the training center in Carson or are they all in Florida now?

Once again USTA is putting $$$$$ in a handful of players and letting everyone else fend for themselves. AMong the boys if one pops through they will be lucky. With this type pof approach they set themselves up for failure. Was told the USTA puts significantly less in player dev than a small country like France. No wonder no one respects the USTA and for those who can afford it they take thier own path.

Colette,

heard that the USTA will NOT allow its academy players to hit with other kids who attend Evert's, some who are very good players. Again, the UTSA is sending the wrong message by putting these kids one a pedistal, especially when it is an open question if any are really that special.

Agreed, nothing's changed with the USTA HP's approach. More exclusive rather than inclusive, arrogant as usual. Handing a handful of players privelage rather than have them continue to earn their spots. As a bureaucratic mutual admiration society they are again, doomed to failure.

To me its incredible how they (USTA) will fit the bill for these kids to travel to all these ITF's, with COACHES. I dont care if you are a lousy tennis player, just the experience gained by all the competition is a great asset. Think of the other families out there who are lucky if they can even afford to send their child to ONE ITF, that is close to their residence. And as far as traveling coaches, the price skyrockets further! If you are rich, and can afford the travel, and coaching this is a non-issue, but for the rest of the country, it is a huge issue. Without USTA help, or sponsers, it cannot be done.

Colette, I found this article about Carlos Bermudez being selected for the Evert Academy.

http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hansen/198655