Carney to Compete on National Team
Principia Women's Tennis Coach Shannon Carney has earned her opportunity to compete at the highest level of senior women's tennis. She will represent the United States on the international stage at the Alice Marble Cup, starting April 26th in Boca Raton, Florida.
Each year the USTA selects four women to compete on the national team at this event. The tournament brings the world's top senior women together and is structurally similar to the popular Davis Cup, where the top pros face off. Nations compete head-to-head against one another in a best of three series format- two singles matches and one doubles. This format allows each team member the chance to take advantage of their specific strengths and skill set by playing either doubles or singles.
Carney was chosen primarily for her recent outstanding doubles play and will also serve as a reserve singles player. Following the team competition she will enter the individual singles, doubles, and mixed doubles tournaments beginning May 2nd.
Principia College Athletic Director Ann Pierson praised the effort Carney has put in.
"I am so proud to know Coach Shannon Carney. She is a dedicated student of the game of tennis and tireless in her pursuit of excellence. Her enthusiasm for teaching and playing are so unflagging it's inspirational. The Athletic Department is so pleased to see her hard work paid rich dividends in titles won."
Carney has filled a trophy case with four USTA Senior National Championships over the last two years, winning three in doubles and adding another in singles. She currently holds the #2 singles ranking in the nation for her age group and comes in at #20 in the world. On the doubles court, she and her partner Cindy Abel earned the #1 ranking in the country both last year and in 2018.
Abel says, "Shannon is the most competitive tennis player I have ever met. Her focus, determination, and will to win are a sight to behold. What makes her a standout, however, is the faith she has in herself and the empathy she exudes for others. Shannon is a coach at heart, always trying to help others improve along with herself. It was by chance our paths crossed and now I am lucky to have her as a forever friend."
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