From 35 to 80: SoCal Teams Deliver a
National Showcase of Excellence

Southern California delivered one of its most impressive adult tennis seasons in recent memory, shining on the national stage at both the 2025 Donoff Cup and the USTA National Women’s Intersectional Team Championships. Across multiple age divisions, SoCal teams showcased exceptional depth, veteran experience, and a competitive edge that has long defined the section.

From championship three-peats to hard-fought finalist finishes, Southern California athletes reinforced their reputation as a national powerhouse, proving once again that excellence, leadership, and teamwork run deep in SoCal tennis.

Men’s Donoff Cup: Championship Performances and a Historic Three-Peat

The 2025 Donoff Cup Men’s Intersectional Team Championships took place November 6-9 at Copper Creek Tennis Center, bringing together elite teams from USTA sections across the country. The Level 2 national event features age divisions ranging from 35s to 85s, with all matches counting toward national rankings.

Southern California made its presence felt across the board, earning championships, finalist finishes, and showcasing competitive fire in every division entered.

The Men’s 55s team captured another national title, completing a historic three-peat at the Donoff Cup and continuing one of the most dominant runs in the event’s recent history. The championship squad featured Peter Smith, Peter Gertmenian, Mike Noel, and Elson De Cantuaria, with Paul Settles serving as captain.

The Men’s 75s also earned a national championship, with Art Santilli, Tom Bozarth, and Andrew Miller, led by captain Norman Ashbrooke. 

Southern California also earned finalist finishes in two additional divisions. The Men’s 60s team, captained by Paul Settles and featuring Scott Moore, Mike Archibald, and Jose Ruelas, battled their way to the final. The Men’s 80s team, led by captain Ron Hextell, with George Balch, Tom Bryan, Dean Corley, and Ron Miller, also finished as national finalists.

The Men’s 70s team, captained by John Flowers and including David Hochwald, Casey Moore, John Rhodes, and Hector Mendoza, competed strongly and added to Southern California’s deep showing across age groups.

Across every match, SoCal’s men demonstrated not only skill and experience, but a level of cohesion and competitive grit that defined the event.

Women’s Intersectionals: Championships Across Generations

Just days later, Southern California women continued the momentum at the USTA National Women’s Intersectional Team Championships, held November 9-15 at the Frank Veltri Tennis Center in Plantation, Florida.

Widely regarded as the largest and most prestigious women’s team event of the year, the Intersectionals bring together over 300 players annually, competing across age divisions from 35s through 85s. Teams play four consecutive days, with singles in the morning and doubles in the afternoon, testing both endurance and depth.

Southern California delivered a dominant performance, capturing four national championships in the 45s, 55s, 65s, and 75s divisions. The section also earned a finalist finish in the 35s and fielded a competitive 80s team.

The 35s team, captained by Claudia Roehr, featured USTA Southern California’s very own Dianne Matias, along with Lauren Perl Lancaster, Hannah Holladay, Deborah Lee-Tep, Christine Lee, and Millie Yablonicky, advancing to the final with strong, consistent play.

In the 45s, championship honors went to the team led by captain Farrah Northcott, alongside Amanda Parson Siegel, Jami Jones, Colleen Royal, Dina McBride, Sanem Ahearn, and Joanne Price.

The 55s championship team featured Jen Beindorf, Debbie Spence-Nasim, Kathy Settles, Christina Kaus, Jennifer Rens, and Kathryn Archibald, delivering clutch performances throughout the week.

Southern California’s 65s continued the winning tradition under captain Tina Karwasky, with Una Davis, Elizabeth Kuhle, Robin Harris, Colleen Clery Ferrell, Jackie Head, and Julie David securing another national title.

The 75s team, captained by Carol Gay, claimed championship honors behind the efforts of Farzeneh Kia, Sherly Leicher, Kathy Bennett, Liane Bryson, and Anne Meigs.

Rounding out the competition, the 80s team, led by captain Catherine Anderson, featured Teri Eggers, Charleen Hillebrand, Judy Louie, Andrea Polisky, and Pat Parsons, representing Southern California with pride and determination.

A Season to Remember

Whether on clay or hard courts, in singles or doubles, and across generations of players, Southern California’s adult competitors exemplified the very best of team tennis in 2025. The results at both the Donoff Cup and Women’s Intersectionals reflect not only championship-caliber play, but the enduring camaraderie, leadership, and passion that define SoCal tennis.

As the section looks ahead, this remarkable season stands as a powerful reminder that Southern California’s strength lies not just in its talent, but in its community, and that legacy continues to thrive at every age.