Preseason continues: Tampa Takes on Atlanta at James Creek TC
INTENNSE Tennis
1 MINS | Published on 03/06/25
The second round of preseason matches are here! Team Atlanta is hosting Tampa on March 30 at James Creek Tennis Center. With a lineup stacked with collegiate standouts and seasoned competitors, both teams are bringing their best to the court.
Who will be representing the teams?
Team Atlanta
Coach: Marcelo Ferreira – Former FSU assistant coach and former head coach at Texas Tech, leading them to multiple NCAA tournament appearances. Captain: Michaela Gordon – Former Stanford standout, ITA Rookie of the Year, and All-American, bringing leadership and high-level experience.
Atlanta boasts a strong roster led by a mix of experienced professionals and rising talents:
Trent Bryde – Former Georgia Bulldog, NCAA doubles finalist, and top-ranked junior with ATP experience.
Luis Sampedro – 2024 second NAIA All-America team selection and ITA Singles All-American. Helped his team win both the NAIA national championship and ITA NAIA indoor national championship.
George Coupland – Former Mississippi State standout, two-time All-SEC selection, and key contributor to SEC Western Division titles.
Justine Lespes – Two-time NAIA All-American, three-time ITA All-America honoree, and 2023 NAIA Singles National Champion.
Salma Ewing – Former USC and LSU star, ITA All-American, and consistent top collegiate performer.
Team Tampa
Coach: Pascal Collard – Experienced coach with a history of developing high-level collegiate talent.
Captain: Noureldin Adam aka Noori – Former ITF competitor and top NCAA player known for endurance and aggressive playstyle. He earned his first ATP point at just 16.
Tampa enters the battle with a roster full of talent and depth:
Raul Garcia – ASUN All-Freshman Team, ASUN Second Team All-Conference, and multiple conference wins.
Joaquin Benoit – 2024 ITA Southeast Region Senior Player of the Year, 2024 Peach Belt Conference Co-Player of the Year, and multiple conference and academic honors.
Amy Zhu – A former Michigan Wolverine who has dominated on the pro circuit! With eight ITF doubles titles and a career-high ranking of No. 381
Khrystyna Vozniak – Former collegiate standout with NCAA Doubles Round of 16 appearance and SEC Academic Honor Roll honors.
Jaeda Daniels – 2022 NCAA Doubles Champion, 2022 ITA All-American (Singles & Doubles), 2021 ITA All-American (Doubles), 2022 All-ACC First Team.
What to Expect This Sunday:
Both teams bring a strong lineup, and this matchup promises to bring a high level of tennis. Atlanta’s experience and proven track record give them an edge, but Tampa’s aggressive style and depth make them a formidable opponent.
Double matches start at 12:30 with men's singles.
