Berry tennis teams hoping preparation will pay off in annual home tournament
Isabella Brown, Campus Carrier sports editor
The Rome Tennis Center at Berry College received the 2025 Outstanding Facility Award for the Public Courts: Large Tennis Centers category by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). This is the facility’s second time winning this award since their first honor in 2019. The award was given based on their tournament quality, design and overall event execution.
The recognition from the USTA shows off the hard work and dedication that the tennis center has, not only for athletes but guests as well. It validates daily efforts of the staff and partners it has given the tennis center staff a moral boost and motivation. The honor helps put the facility on the map nationally. The General Manager, Colt Gaston, is very honored to recieve this reward.
The tennis center isn’t just known for their tournaments and work with Berry. They are also known for the help that they given to the Rome Floyd community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tennis center was able to advertise hotels and restaurants that were struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic for the tournaments that were coming to Rome.
Aiden Benoualid serving high at practice. This is in the middle of preparation for the upcoming tournament. Both the men’s and women’s team have been
training over the summer.
“It’s been really cool to get back and have more of a passion project to give back to restaurants and other places that you know,” Gaston said. “We get letters we and get calls about you know ‘Hey, I almost went under during COVID-19’ and to see them bounce back because of some weekends that we’ve had and help them, that’s a great feeling when you’re helping the community.”
With the help of local businesses and sponsors, this facility’s growth skyrocketed. The center has also collaborated with charities such as the Special Olympics and Open Door Home to help raise money and awareness.
Berry’s tennis team is also heating up for their big tournament at the end of the month. They have been preparing all summer for this tournament.
The center has provided so much for the community in Rome throughout the years. It has given the tennis team an amazing court for playing games and hosting tournaments. The tennis team has been preparing vigorously for these upcoming games.
“I feel pretty well prepared for the tournament,” sophomore Caroline Hanson said. “We’ve been practicing a lot. We’ve been on the court and in the weight room, so I feel good about it.”
There has been a consistent regimen of preparation for this tournament. The teams are feeling excited as the games approach.
The tennis team has been practicing their techniques, approaches to shots, movement and positioning. Coach Doug Elly makes sure both teams are ready for whatever is served their way.
Elly’s approach to coaching is very hands on, with an emphasis on one-on-one interaction to address individual needs. He often uses music as a motivator and pep talks to keep the team’s spirit up during practices but knows when it’s time to be serious and foster shared goals.
The Rome Tennis Center, completed in 2016, has provided a home for Berry’s
tennis team as well as many national tournaments. The center will host Berry’s
annual college tournament Sept. 26 to 28.
“He wants to make sure he gets to see everybody individually,” junior Sydney Coppola said. “He’s very involved and really focused on teamwork.”
The tennis team is known for their work off the court as well. Many of the tennis athletes work at the tennis center to assist with rackets, maintenance and technical tasks. Not only that, they also organize food drives and fundraisers to promote community involvement. The annual “Teach Me Tennis Camp” helps introduce pickleball and tennis to the youth to encourage athletics participation. This summer camp actively and positively encourages young kids to go outside to play.
With the start of the season, there has been some adjustment and establishing team routines. The routine has allowed the team to prepare proper strategy and method for the upcoming tournament.
Both the coaches and team are ready for the upcoming tournament. From Sept. 26 to 28, go see the Berry College tennis team compete in their annual tennis tournament. The Berry College community is always welcome. Go to the Berry College Athletics page to see when matches are supposed to start and who the tennis team will be playing against during their tournament.