A Preview to the USA Racquetball Junior National Festival and Championships presented by Team DOVETAIL
by Brian Dixon
Attention racquetball fans! The annual USA Racquetball Junior National Festival and Championships presented by Team DOVETAIL are coming to Pleasanton, California, from June 21-25. This event is open to all levels of junior players, from beginner to seasoned veterans. It is not just about being a National Champion or making Team USA, though those achievements are part of the event. Take advantage of the chance to have a fantastic experience, make new lifelong friends, and create forever memories. Hurry on over to the official website at www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=40456.
This event has age divisions from 6 and under up to 21 and under. The younger age groups have multi-bounce and two-bounce options. Players can play singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. If you do not have a doubles partner, ask, and we can try to match you up.For age group purposes, whatever age the player is on January 1, 2023 is the age group they can enter for the tournament.
I have been attending this event since 2007 as a coach, with it always being my favorite week of the year. It is always great seeing the growth of the players and revisiting with parents and other coaches. Over the years, I have seen players grow from multi-bouncers to top teen players to World Champions. Of course, many players make the annual trip to have the experience and have the times of their lives. I was a participant in 1979, and I always have that memory. No need to do the math! I now get to be the Chairman of the USA Racquetball Junior Committee. We are looking to get this event back to being a 200+ player event. My goal is 300+. Our committee has been promoting this event primarily with testimonials of past participants. When watching these testimonials, you will see a running theme of experience and lifelong friendships. You can see these on the USA Racquetball Facebook page. See some you like, and feel free to share (https://www.facebook.com/USARacquetball).
When it's time to take a break from the courts, watch the Saturday evening's activities. A Taco Bar at lunchtime will kick off Saturday's festivities, and later there is an ice cream social, pool party, and awards ceremony where you can indulge, splash in the pool, and celebrate players' accomplishments at every level.
During downtime, explore the surroundings of Pleasanton and the nearby attractions within a two-hour drive. With iconic destinations like the San Francisco Bay Area and the captivating Napa Valley at your fingertips, you'll always have excitement off the courts. Some will extend their stay and possibly head east to Lake Tahoe—just a 3-hour drive from Pleasanton. Of course, you can hang out at the host, Bay Club, where you will find three pools and a fantastic gym, and did I mention the host hotel is attached to the club?
So, don't wait any longer! Sign up for the early registration discount and secure your spot in the USA Racquetball Junior National Festival and Championships. And remember, the more, the merrier – so please share with your racquetball friends and let's make this an event to remember!
Remember, this is about lifelong experience. Medals are only a bonus!!