Rustic Canyon “Volley” Squad Wins League Finale

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

When Keith Coleman started a USTA Junior Team Tennis program at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center three years ago his goal was to grow the sport and teach local youngsters the finer points of the game.

Along the way he has become a positive role model and mentor to his players and two weeks ago his 10U team enjoyed a triumphant end to its first season, topping “Serve It Up” of the San Fernando Valley on games, 32-30.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the kids and I wouldn’t want to be any other place,” said Coleman, also the director of tennis at Archer School for Girls and an instructor at the Venus and Serena Williams Academy in South LA. “For the first two years I just had a 12-and-under team but this year I have a 14U and a 10U.”

The 10U “Volley” squad went 4-3 in league matches despite being the youngest team. The format consists of four singles and two doubles pro sets and whichever team wins more sets is the victor. If sets are tied 3-3, total games are counted to determine a winner.

Nine-year-old Noah Korngute, who lives in the Alphabet Streets and is a fourth-grader at PS1, won 8-5 at No. 1 singles in the season finale and was presented the coach’s “Accomplishment” certificate at the postmatch picnic.

He also paired with the coach’s son Alexander Coleman to win 8-1 at No. 1 doubles.

Eight-year-old Maggie Goldsmith (a third-grader at Brawerman Elementary) won 8-0 at No. 3 singles and received the team’s “Determination” award.

Rounding out the “Volley” squad are three 7-year-olds: Coleman, Anais Israels (a 2nd-grader at Franklin Elementary) and Oliver Smukler (a 2nd-grader at Wildwood).

Coleman got the “Confidence” award; Israels was awarded the “Improvement” certificate and Smukler received the “Effort” award.

Coach Coleman also gave awards to his 14U “Slice” squad. Hannah Katzenstein (an 8th-grader at Archer) got the “Endurance” award for refusing to quit against Riviera despite a badly sprained ankle.

Highlands resident Brook Pierpoint (a 7th-grader at Calvary Christian School) received her team’s “Leadership” award.

Archer  7th-grader and Alphabet Streets resident Olivia Rosen got the “Optimism” award for her positive outlook on life.

Finally, 13-year-old Remy Balembois received the “Fluidity” award for his movement.

“The kids worked hard, they had fun and they improved,” Coleman added. “That’s what it’s all about.”