In a scintilating run of tournament wins, Kari TenBroeck, 10, has succeeded in taking over sole possession of the girls 10 No. 1 ranking in Northern California.
Since last May, she has won 10 of 11 tournaments - eight in NorCal and two the Northern Nevada Tennis Association's junior satellite series.
TenBroeck started playing seriously at age 5. She credits some of her success to her practice partner and brother, James TenBroeck, 11.
Though she has time remaining in age-eligibility to play in the 10s, she has chosen to now play full-time in the NorCal 12s. At present, she has a No. 68 ranking in the division.
She was awarded the No. 1 status in the 10 division on Feb. 8. That evening she got a call from the tournament director of the SAP Open in San Jose, Calif., inviting her to play an exhibition match in the H.P. Pavilion.
The SAP Open is Northern California's most prestigious pro-tour event.
Last year, James TenBroeck played in front of a crowd of 17,000 at the pavilion. It's rare to have siblings who have received such highly-prized invitations and being from Nevada makes it all the more inspiring.
n Bill Welch is The Record-Courier's tennis columnist. He can be reach at 782-5775.
