Rhonda and Paola in Denver

Rhonda Interview in Denver CO

PAOLA LONGORIA: EL REVÉS DE ORO. ANUARIO 2011 PERIÓDICO EL NORTE / GRUPO REFORMA

PAOLA LONGORIA: EL REVÉS DE ORO. ANUARIO 2011 PERIÓDICO EL NORTE / GRUPO REFORMA
Paola Longoria El revés de oro. Por: Jesús Carvajal

El camino del oro para Paola Longoria inició a los 7 años de edad en su natal San Luis Potosí.

Indiscutible reina de los recientes Juegos Panamericanos al obtener tres preseas doradas, la estudiante de FIME de la UANL hizo volver los ojos del mundo hacia el raquetbol que no es olímpico y que tiene en los Panamericanos su mayor plataforma.

Y colgarse las medallas de oro no es una casualidad. Su trayectoria empezó desde pequeña, cuando apoyada por sus papás practicaba deportes como la natación, el futbol, el taekwondo, tenis y otros, pero cuando descubrió el raquetbol le pareció muy divertido.

Hubo entrenadores que vieron en ella aptitudes excepcionales para los deportes de raqueta y, con ello, la ayudaron a ser la mejor en su área y a que obtuviera ocho campeonatos mundiales juveniles, de los que luego se retiró para dedicarse al tour de la Women's Professional Racquetball Organization, en donde domina en el ranking.

El raquetbol, en palabras de Paola, es un deporte difícil, ya que exige de una condición física excepcional porque se requiere fuerza de brazos y piernas, además de una mentalidad de triunfo, lo que evidentemente ella tiene de sobra.

Sus mejores armas son su revés, su capacidad de concentración y su preparación física.

Luego de su destacada participación en los Panamericanos, Longoria busca seguir siendo la número uno en la gira de la WPRO y obtener el Campeonato Mundial de singles de federación, el único título que a sus 22 años todavía no tiene y al que aspira para el 2012.

Pero su máxima aspiración sería ir a unas Olimpiadas, algo que no depende de ella porque primero deberá lograrse que el raquetbol sea considerado deporte olímpico, para lo que se necesita que las autoridades impulsen más este deporte que es muy completo y que tiene seguidores en muchos países.

FEATURED ATHLETE KRYSTAL CSUK

Shooting Star

By Sarah Warhaftig

After attending her first junior nationals at the age of 11 Krystal Csuk realized racquetball was going to be a huge part of her life.  After pairing up with Coach T.J. Ferro, as well as her mother’s support Csuk took her racquetball dreams to the next level.

T.J. Ferro has been and always will be Csuk’s motivation to train every day.  “He taught me so many skills from basic mechanics in racquetball to life skills,” says Krystal.  T.J. passed away from lung cancer in 2010, but his racquetball spirit still lives inside of Csuk.  “I think of him every day, and keep me motivated to train, even when life is busy.”  Krystal calls him his shooting star, watching from above rooting for her at all of her matches and this keeps her inspired to excel both on and off the court. 

While Krystal is not on the court, she holds a busy schedule as a physical therapist trying to balance boyfriend, friends an family.  She admits to losing a bit of sleep to fit it all in, but she expects herself to give each day her best.  She realizes some weeks are easier than others, but tries to train 2-3 hours on workdays and more during the weekends.  She feels lucky to have a boss who is a racquetball player himself, and has been one of her biggest supporters to continue playing.   

As Krystal continues to move up the WPRO rankings she is excited to see where the tour will go.  On new tour commissioner Gigi Rock, Krystal says, “I think she offers a bright new outside perspective and is sparking change within the WPRO.”  Krystal hopes with a cooperative group dynamic from the ladies on the tour, the WPRO will embrace positive change and an exciting future. 

Krystal has reached her highest ranking yet at #6, and her first semi-final appearance in December of 2011 are listed as her biggest accomplishments to date.  In April of 2011, Csuk made the trip to Nicaragua with the US National Team, and was extremely proud to represent her country.  Krystal will continue to improve her game, challenging herself on and off the court; she knows the best is yet to come!

The 2013 World Games are Calling the WPRO to Cali Colombia

TIWGA President Ron Froehlich announced the Executive Committee’s final decision to grant the hosting rights to Cali, COL, at one of his daily press conferences during The World Games in Kaohsiung, TPE, on 21 July 2009. “The Games will be held for the first time in South America,“ Froehlich proclaimed.

Bid leader Pascual Guerrero, who now heads the Cali Organizing Committee (COC), was able to explain the motivation behind the city’s bid for The World Games 2013 to the international press as well. “The excitement among the public here in Kaohsiung justifies our efforts all the more; this is what we can look forward to in Cali, in Colombia and around Latin America,” Guerrero said. “This event offers the people in South America the opportunity to learn more about interesting and fascinating sports, and it gives Cali a chance to push urban development.”

The conclusion of the Host City Contract was celebrated at the Cali Congress Center in August 2009. Then Colombian President Álvaro Uribe Veléz, who attended the celebrations, reaffirmed the national government’s all-out support to the Cali organizers in the lead-up and during The World Games 2013.

Cali will stage the multi-sport games together with two other cities in the Cauca Valley from 25 July to 4 August 2013. The Opening Ceremony will be held on 25 July, the day the City of Cali celebrates the 100th anniversary of its foundation. The organizers are preparing to seize the moment to promote the full breadth of sports to the world, and to bring about significant change to the nation, region and cities. The slogan for The World Games 2013 is Fair Play to the Planet! The COC is committed to pay particular attention to environmental friendliness in all its actions. Adding the new slogan to those used in the marketing of Cali makes for a promising formula. The city of Cali, aka “Heaven’s Branch Office,” and frequently labeled the “Sporting Capital of the Americas”, ensures “Fair Play to the Planet!” during The World Games 2013.

Cali brings considerable experience as an organizer of major sporting events to the challenge of staging The World Games. In 2008 Cali was host to the Colombian national multi-sport games with over 6,000 participants. The city was also an acclaimed host to the Pan-American Games and hundreds of large-scale international championships in the past. The most recent major event held there – in December 2009 – was the UCI Track Cycling World Cup. Cali and its partner cities in the Cauca Valley have the necessary infrastructure to accommodate The World Games. Even if all events will be hosted at existing venues, Cali has already embarked on a number of projects to improve them even further.

With a view to The World Games and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is held in Cali and seven other Colombian cities in 2011, the 35,000- capacity multi-purpose main stadium was renovated completely over a period of only 16 months.

From the "Official Site" of the World Games:  http://www.theworldgames.org/the-sports/sports/ball-sports/racquetball  

WPRO Ladies Rajsich & Waselenchuk Win U.S. Team Qualifying Division

Congratulations to Kim Waselenchuk/Rhonda Rajsich who won the U.S. Team Qualifying Division at the 2012 USA Racquetball National Doubles Championships presented by HEAD/Penn. Congratulations to Ben Croft and Rocky Carson on the men's side and to all the other winners and medalists

Join us for the National Singles, May 23-28, 2012 at the Meridian Sports Club in Fullerton CA.  The WPRO Ladies will be there in full force to claim their spot on U.S. Team.

Sponsorship Opportunities are available.  Contact; sponsorships@wprotour.com

  

WPRO Rankings - from the Racquetball Blog

Paola Longoria reaffirmed her position as the #1 Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) player, when she won the California Open in Canoga Park earlier this month, and the latest WPRO rankings confirm that. Rhonda Rajsich, who was runner-up to Longoria in Canoga Park, remains the #2 player.

However, Kerri Wachtel has moved up into the #3 position ahead of Samantha Salas, who's now missed two consecutive events due to an arm injury. Cristina Amaya has also dropped in the rankings, falling from 6th to 8th.

Adrienne Fisher remains 5th, followed by Krystal Csuk in 6th, Susy Acosta-Mendoza 7th, Amaya 8th, Jennifer Saunders 9th, and Angela Grisar in 10th.

Where's Cheryl Gudinas, former WPRO #1, you ask? She's dropped to 12th, although she did compete in the California Open, which was her first tournament after knee surgery, she lost to Saunders in the Round of 16. In fact, Gudinas is only 0.30 points ahead of T.J. Baumbaugh, who's 13th. It's Gudinas's lowest ranking for almost 20 years.

The next WPRO event is the Mile High Pro-Am in Denver, Colorado, March 8-11, 2012.

WPRO Rankings (January 9, 2012)
Rank - Name - Nationality - Points

1 Paola Longoria (Mexico) 1494.00
2 Rhonda Rajsich (USA) 1360.40
3 Kerri Wachtel (USA) 503.45
4 Samantha Salas (Mexico) 484.30
5 Adrienne Fisher (USA) 455.70
6 Krystal Csuk (USA) 377.60
7 Susy Acosta-Mendoza (Mexico) 371.50
8 Cristina Amaya (Colombia) 366.65
9 Jennifer Saunders (Canada) 337.00
10 Angela Grisar (Chile) 245.00

11 Da'monique Davis (USA) 222.75
12 Cheryl Gudinas (USA) 212.80
13 T.J. Baumbaugh (USA) 212.50
14 Kristen Bellows (USA) 200.90
15 Christie Huczek (Canada) 150.25
16 Linda Scales (USA) 140.00
17 Laura Brandt (USA) 106.50
18 Nancy Enriquez (Mexico) 106.00
19 Aimee Ruiz (USA) 100.00
20 Sharon Jackson (USA) 87.50

Follow the bouncing ball....

Posted by The Racquetball Blog 

CATCHING UP WITH DA'MONIQUE DAVIS! (WPRO #11) - 1/18/2012

The holidays are always a special time for me. I feel it’s a great way to spend more time with family as well as relax from any stressors. I took a break from racquetball and somewhat from work over the holidays to be with family and friends. I feel it re-fueled and re-charged me for the New Year and new goals. My diet however wasn't the greatest.. But hey, it's the holidays.. What do you expect!? :-)

 The second half of the season is looking great! There are 6 stops left for me, I’m feeling healthy and eager to get on the court to learn new things and get better. I feel with each stop, I learn something new. So I fully plan on using every stop to learn as well as develop my game to a higher level.

It's tough to work and play racquetball. As a nurse, I'm fortunate to only working 3 days a week.. However those 12-15 hour shifts are very stressful and my days are especially tough when I wake up 2 hours before to get a workout in, but I've made it work the past year as long as I get enough sleep, eat right, and balance my days and nights I can accomplish doing both.

Goals for the next half of the year are to improve my speed and footwork, improve my mental game and to play hard at every stop. I'd like to make a semi-final this year (something I’ve never done). So I know I need to kick my game and training up a notch to do so. These female athletes are the best in the world and know how to ball! All I want to do is be able to give them a great match to remember.

Sarah Warhaftig - WPRO Media Director

WPRO Krystal Csuk Appointed as Athlete Rep for the USAR Board

As the Commissioner for the WPRO, I am always pleased to see the pro-athletes support their community and help the advancement of racquetball.

Recently announced, Krystal Csuk has been appointed as an Athlete Representative on the USAR Board of Directors, effective immediately.  


As stated by President Cheryl Kirk:  "Krystal brings valuable experience and perspective to our midst through her education, employment, and racquetball experience.  She also brings the younger athlete’s point of view as a former US Junior Team member."

Way to go Krystal...

Something about KRYSTAL CSUK

EMPLOYMENT

Tyler Medical Services

Licensed Physical Therapist (September 2008-present)

Physical Therapy Technician (January 2005-June 2008)

RACQUETBALL

v Current US Team Member - semi-finalist at National Singles

v WPRO Crystal City semi-finalist, Women’s Open Champion

v 2^nd place at 2011 National Doubles with partner Cheryl Gudinas

v 2002 Intercollegiate National Champion

v 2002 Baldwin Wallace College National Team Champions

v 2002 Adult U.S. National Team Member

v 4-time U.S. Junior National Team Member

v 2-time Junior National Champion

v Currently #6 on Women’s Professional Racquetball Tour

EDUCATION

v Northern Illinois University - Master of Physical Therapy (2008)

v    Northern Illinois University - B.S. Health Science (2006)

v   Basic fluency in Spanish

Double Time for Ruiz

Double Time for Ruiz

by Leo R Vasquez

photos: www.flatchicken.com

In the discussions about great doubles racquetball players is it too difficult to be included with some of the greatest female doubles players of all time? Casual racquetball fans view doubles as filler between singles matches, as the equivalent of the rodeo clown diverting your attention before the bronc rider is set loose. But perhaps the problem is that they don’t know what they’re watching. You need to understand the game, where to play, where to place the ball. It’s a different strategy than in singles. That lack of comprehension even reaches into the players’ ranks. Sometimes you can have a player who is great in singles, unbelievably good, who doesn’t really understand the game of doubles.

We can debate on a number of great female double players - from Malia Bailey to Michelle Gould, from Kim Russell-Waselenchuk to Jackie Paraiso and now Aimee Ruiz. The easiest way to define a racquetball player as a great one is using the number of national doubles titles, especially IRF World and Pan American championships. And then throw in a USAR National Singles Championship along the way.

FINDING  A PARTNER

Ruiz was recently asked about how she has had so much success as a doubles player and how her game-style fits with her partners. “I think I have great partners. It’s a team in doubles, there is no I, so I can’t say it’s just me,”” said Ruiz. “I’ve always been fortunate to play with some of the very best doubles players, that there game styles help compliment my game. I definitely like to be the shooter on the court and am not afraid to try and roll it out from anywhere. You will not see me have a long ceiling ball rally that's for sure. I’m also a lefty, which I think is a plus because there aren’t very many lefty/rights teams out there.”

Most of her recent titles in the women’s doubles have come with world and national doubles champion Jackie Paraiso, who in her own right is also a world class singles player. “I had qualified to play the Pan American Championships in 2006 with my partner at the time Laura Fenton. Laura was unable to go due to injury. Jackie and I ended up winning the gold, and we kept in touch after that, and in 2007 we decided to play together,” said Ruiz about her new partnership with Paraiso.

The resume for Ruiz is quite impressive, she has won two IRF World Doubles Championships, (’06 with Laura Fenton and ’08 with Jackie Paraiso) and three Pan American Doubles Championships, (’06 with Fenton and ’07 and ’09 with Paraiso). She has also won the last seven consecutive US National Team Qualifying Women’s Doubles Championships, (‘05, ‘06 with Fenton and ‘07-‘11 with Paraiso) and seven US National Mixed Doubles Championships (’02, ’04-’06 with Jason Thoerner, ’03 with Shane Vanderson, ’08 with Mike Dennison, and ’10 with Andy Hawthorne).

WINNING THE NATIONAL SINGLES

Ruiz also plays singles at selected WPRO events as well as the US OPEN Racquetball Championships and National Singles Championships. Surely you caught every moment when she won the 2009 US National Singles title by defeating Cheryl Gudinas in the finals in Houston. “When I went in to Houston that year there was no pressure on me. I hadn’t even played Houston in about five or six years prior to that,” said Ruiz. ‘I don’t play the pro tour full-time, in fact I only played two Tier 1 events last season, so I don’t get to play the ladies of the WPRO in singles very often. I’m used to playing strictly guys in my area. I always know whenever I step on the court, if I’m playing well, and I’m “calm” I can win singles matches against the top women.” 

Winning the nationals singles didn’t come easy for Ruiz and is something she will cherish forever. She was one of the last seeds in the draw and went on to beat #2 seeded Kristen Bellows, #3 Rhonda Rajsich and #1 Cheryl Gudinas along the way. “All of my east coast racquetball friends were there rooting for me at every single match and to win that with them and my husband there was really special,” Ruiz would say.

Doubles competition can also help players with their singles game as Ruiz has proved by winning her National Singles title. “I think my reaction is better in singles and that is from my doubles experience,” said Ruiz. “Doubles is such a fast paced game, you really need to be on your toes and ready for the ball at all times.”

At least in comparison to the most exciting racquetball of the year—which could be Kane Waselenchuck’s winning streak of 130 matches without a loss; world class doubles play by Ruiz makes it more fun to watch and engaging. It’s the best-kept secret in racquetball and provides the same excitement and thrills as in singles, except with four players hitting amazing angles with accurate precision.

RACQUETBALL CAREER

Ruiz works for Ektelon Racquetball as their Promotions Manager/Product Development Coordinator. She also is the Pro Player Director and manages all of the Ektelon professionals including Team Adrenalin. At National Events she helps with the marketing exposure for Ektelon and supports the pro players in the events. She also enjoys coaching younger players, and coordinates Team Ektelon meetings during events. Ruiz also manages Ektelon social media outlets, Team Ektelon Newsflashes, coordinates the website, press releases and maintains budgets.

Rhonda Rajsich and the Girls just wanna have fun!...and the boys

Olympia WA, November 18, 2011 – Rhonda Rajsich shows up at Ballys, dons a two-foot tall wig and glasses, not because she wants to, but because she has too.  The Pro ladies of Racquetball (WPRO) are playing at the Puget Sound Challenge this weekend at Ballys and Rhonda showed up early for a junior clinic put on by Cheyenne Hayes.   

The WPRO is currently working with the GoGirlGo! Program to support each local community where a WPRO tour stop is scheduled.  “It’s a chance to give back to the community and the girls, showing them the diversity of our elite female athletes, hearing their stories, talk about staying fit and healthy and playing a little racquetball’, says Commissioner Rock.  It’s the least we can do.   We will also be accepting racquet donations at each of our tour stops to help build and support these upcoming athletes.

Rhonda had a blast with the girls and boys who came in for the Junior Clinic, each kid played a quick game with her and had a photo opportunity.  But, it wasn’t about how hard they could hit the ball, it was more about what kind of advantage they could get.  Each kid had the opportunity to roll the dice and see what advantage they had playing the #1 World Champion.  Rhonda donned a wig with glasses, barely being able to see at all, the wig falling down  over her eyes,  and sunglasses that could block out a nuclear explosion, or she had to play with a newspaper, and there were many strange, fun items Rhonda was forced to play with.  Each kid rolled the dice and took the advantage, what great fun and the laughter echoed throughout the gym.  

These kids showed tenacity, a great spirit and the love of racquetball…there’s a future pro among them.

Later in the evening several of the other pro ladies landed in Olympia to thank the sponsors by playing Sponsors Doubles.  Each sponsor drew from a stack of cards that had the pro they would be paired up with, what great fun.

Thank you to all the sponsors who helped bring the Women’s Professional Racquetball Organization and the Pro Ladies to Olympia, WA

About GoGirlGo!

GoGirlGo!, is an award winning curriculum and sports education program, works to improve the health of sedentary girls and to keep girls involved in physical activity by supporting programs and organizations that work with girls.

  

About the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization

The Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) is the governing body for the highest-level professional female racquetball players in the world. It is currently comprised of elite athletes representing over a dozen countries including the United States, Mexico, Chile, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

Paola Longoria Mexico's Champion

Paola Longoria Michelle Lopez

BY GUILLERMO GONZALEZ MARTINEZ

Nebraska’s Only Latino Owned Bi-lingualSpanish/English Newspaper

Paola Longoria Lopez became the golden girl of the Pan American Games to win three gold medals in racquetball individual, doubles and team. But it is also a great lover of fashion, the catwalk, for she has own brand clothing and racket. From the nine years focused on being a winner and she preferred the gold medals. 

And thanks to support from her parents, today the Queen who revels in her beauty, she sighs, which is an example to follow, and moreover, many young girls who write her letters because they want to be like her. "I think I'm the woman who pulled up for the Mexican sport, not the triumph demerits the men and my other colleagues.  It is the discipline and mindset that is the modern woman, which is what led her to the top. She made ​​history and it is the result of what she is capable of. " Longoria Lopez is simple, though now her feet have many subjects waiting only to see it up close her beautiful and elegance.

Paola, like any great athlete, has had lows and highs. But her tenacity to be the best has led her to break down the barriers that prevented her from being a winner. She struggled, as did the unicorn who every day went into the woods looking for ways to be reflected among the lights illuminating the trees until he succeeded. So Michelle sought (her middle name) leave a lasting figure in the Pan. "I am 22 years old and racquetball has left me great satisfaction. I'm still learning, and want to give my country medals this is what has motivated me to keep me going. Now it's really cool to see so many nice messages to me.

 But it is that the Federation now gets hundreds of calls to ask where you can practice this sport. That is the legacy she leaves as an athlete, "knowing that you are  a champion is the best thing that can happen. It is a difficult lifestyle, but always leaves me with an unforgettable experience." Mexico is the face of international level and it is loved by all who trusts her. "I told myself I could do it", even though she was injured. "My ankle and knee ached, but I told myself to win, and thank God we won the medals". I have a favorite phrase, which is… Let's play hard (Let's play hard).

Puget Sound Challenge ~ Women's Professional Racquetball Tour Stop

We are excited to announce that the Women’s Professional Racquetball Association (WPRO) is heading back to Washington to display some of the greatest talent in the world during the Puget Sound Challenge.

The event will be held November 17-20, 2011 here at our local Bally Total Fitness Olympia, WA. This tournament is consistently one of the most anticipated amateur events in the Northwest and has grown into one the most well-attended tournaments in the area, with first class hospitality and exposure for sponsors.  We are offering you the opportunity to showcase your company on a grand stage with the top female racquetball players in the world.

The dynamic players of the WPRO travel throughout the United States, Canada and South America, to promote health and fitness among women and youth by introducing them to the thrilling sport of racquetball and exhibiting tremendous athleticism and mental toughness at the highest level.

WPRO members earn ranking points by competing in sanctioned tour events which, combined with the prize money purse and special bonuses, provide great incentives for local amateurs to participate. Event sponsors are given primary consideration public address announcements, media and television exposure throughout the championships.

The WPRO players will be available for personal appearances, clinics, and various other public relations activities on behalf of event sponsors throughout the weekend. There will be a Sponsor Doubles round robin for the Top 8 contributors to this event where select sponsors will be paired up with pro’s for a fun evening of doubles, photo ops and networking.

During the past few years, through the efforts of many, Washington’s Women’s Racquetball has grown tremendously.  A few short years ago, there were almost no women’s divisions being held at tournaments.  Now, you can find a Women’s event going on almost every month as well many women taking the time to compete at our many local tournaments.  Never has women’s racquetball been more exciting in our area. What a great time to bring in these top professionals in the world!

We invite you to participate as a premier sponsor and we hope that you will find the necessary information regarding the Puget Sound Challenge tournament in this package.  Should you decide to support this event, you will be making an investment in the future of women’s racquetball not only in our region, but around the world.  

Sponsorship Opportunities:  sponsorships@wprotour.com

Website Sign-Up  :http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=8826