Featured Athlete Susy Acosta

The Cake Boss

By:  Sarah Warhaftig

Susy Acosta admits to having a sweet tooth.  When the lefty out of Mexico isn't battling it out on the courts, she is creating some beautiful and tasty cakes for weddings, Quinceaneras (the Mexican culture's version of a Sweet 16), and special occasions-including her own wedding.  Acosta has always enjoyed baking and said, "Well truthfully I enjoy eating my creations even more!" While she has always enjoyed baking, she discovered her creative abilities and decided to create a business, which she still runs today. 

Susy, who has received the nickname "superwoman" for her fearless attitude, has had a successful 2011-2012 season. With already a semi-final appearance in Olympia under her belt, Acosta continues her charge up the rankings on the WPRO.

According to Acosta, though, her greatest feelings of success and accomplishment come from playing for her home country of Mexico.  She feels blessed and proud to have sung the national anthem already a handful of times in her career.  Her proudest moment came in 2003 at the Pan American games, where she and her partner, Rosy Torres, won gold.  Her motivation to win a pro title is still pushing her to train and compete, and it makes hitting the courts everyday so much easier. 

Acosta balances court time with weights, speed training, and her new yoga workout-though she admits to being a total beginner!  Traveling and competing can be exhausting, but Acosta still manages to balance her court time with her other passions while resting in the hotel room.  Just ask her WPRO roommates. Thanks to them, they can tell you when all the reality cooking shows are on. 

When asked about the new look of the tour, Acosta says, "I am really excited and I truly believe this is a new era for our tour."  The media and connection to the world is new and exciting, and Acosta believes this is just the beginning of new and great things.      

An exciting player to watch on the courts, Susy looks forward to many more years of successful racquetball, and ultimately, a pro title would be her "icing on the cake."

Cakes designed by Susy:  

WPRO 20th Annual Christmas Classic

20th Annual Christmas Classic

December 9-11, 2011

Crystal Gateway Sport & Health Club

1235 South Clark Street

Arlington VA

NoVaRacquetball proudly welcomes the WPRO back to Virginia!!!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Register Here

WPRO - Puget Sound Challenge - Longoria defeats Rajsich

Paola Longoria defeated Rhonda Rajsich for the third time in two months to win the 2011 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am in Olympia, Washington. Longoria won it in four games, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 12-10. She's won two of the three Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tournaments so far this season. Rajsich won the other.

Going into this weekend's event, Longoria was trailed Rajsich in the standings by a little over 80 points. This win may be enough to push Longoria past Rajsich into the #1 ranking that she held for two seasons after taking the top spot from Rajsich, who took it back last season.

The next WPRO event is the Christmas Classic December 8-11 in Arlington, Virginia.

2011 Puget Sound Challenge, Olympia, Washington

Finals

Paola Longoria d. Rhonda Rajsich, 9-11, 11-6, 11-3, 12-10

NEXT TOUR STOP 

ARLINGTON VA

CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

DECEMBER 9-11, 2011

Register at http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=9022 

Follow the bouncing ball....

Posted by The Racquetball Blog

Labels: WPRO

WPRO - Puget Sound Challenge QFs

Top seeds Rhonda Rajsich and Paola Longoria are through to the semi-finals at the 2011 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am in Olympia, Washington, but in the semis they'll face two upset winners.

Kristen Bellows, a former top 4 player on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, won again Saturday as she defeated 4th seed Adrienne Fisher, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-5. Bellows will play Rajsich in the semi-finals later Saturday, as Rajsich beat Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-4, 11-3.

Longoria defeated Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4, in the quarter finals, and she'll play fellow Mexican Susana Acosta, who defeated 3rd seed Kerri Wachtel in five games, 11-6, 5-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9.

The semi-finals will be played Saturday evening with the final slated for Sunday at noon.

2011 Puget Sound Challenge, Olympia, Washington

Quarter finals

Rhonda Rajsich d. Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-4, 11-3

Kristen Bellows d. Adrienne Fisher, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-5

Susana Acosta d. Kerri Wachtel, 11-6, 5-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9

Paola Longoria d. Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4

Semi-finals

Rhonda Rajsich vs. Kristen Bellows

Paola Longoria vs. Susana Acosta

Follow the bouncing ball....

Posted by The Racquetball Blog at 7:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: WPRO

WPRO - Puget Sound Challenge QFs

Top seeds Rhonda Rajsich and Paola Longoria are through to the semi-finals at the 2011 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am in Olympia, Washington, but in the semis they'll face two upset winners.

Kristen Bellows, a former top 4 player on the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, won again Saturday as she defeated 4th seed Adrienne Fisher, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-5. Bellows will play Rajsich in the semi-finals later Saturday, as Rajsich beat Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-4, 11-3.

Longoria defeated Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4, in the quarter finals, and she'll play fellow Mexican Susana Acosta, who defeated 3rd seed Kerri Wachtel in five games, 11-6, 5-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9.

The semi-finals will be played Saturday evening with the final slated for Sunday at noon.

2011 Puget Sound Challenge, Olympia, Washington

Quarter finals

Rhonda Rajsich d. Krystal Csuk, 11-4, 11-4, 11-3

Kristen Bellows d. Adrienne Fisher, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-5

Susana Acosta d. Kerri Wachtel, 11-6, 5-11, 11-13, 11-6, 11-9

Paola Longoria d. Cristina Amaya, 11-2, 11-6, 11-4

Semi-finals

Rhonda Rajsich vs. Kristen Bellows

Paola Longoria vs. Susana Acosta

Follow the bouncing ball....

Posted by The Racquetball Blog at 7:00 PM 0 comments

Labels: WPRO

WPRO - Puget Sound Challenge Round of 16

Kristen Bellows continues to make an impact in her return to the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) tour, as she reached the quarter finals at the 2011 Puget Sound Challenge Pro/Am in Olympia, Washington, with a win over 5th seed Jennifer Saunders, 10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8.

The win sets up a re-match with 4th seed Adrienne Fisher, who was a straight games winner over Keely Franks, 11-8, 11-2, 11-2. Bellows defeated Fisher in the US Open last month.

The other top seeds were also winners. Top seed Rhonda Rajsich beat Cheyenne Hayes, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2; second seed Paola Longoria defeated Grace Hughes, 11-3, 11-0, 11-6; and third seed Kerri Wachtel needed four games to get by Jocelyn Loredo, 11-5, 11-3, 9-11, 11-9.

The quarter finals and semi-finals will be played on Saturday with the final slated for Sunday.

2011 Puget Sound Challenge, Olympia, Washington

Round of 16

Rhonda Rajsich vs. Cheyenne Hayes, 11-5, 11-4, 11-2

Krystal Csuk d. Da'monique Davis, 12-10, 11-1, 11-7

Kristen Bellows d. Jennifer Saunders, 10-12, 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8

Adrienne Fisher d. Keely Franks, 11-8, 11-2, 11-2

Kerri Wachtel d. Jocelyn Loredo, 11-5, 11-3, 9-11, 11-9

Susana Acosta d. Linda Scales, 11-4, 11-4, 11-4

Cristina Amaya d. T. J. Baumbaugh, 6-11, 11-8, 11-2, 10-12, 11-8

Paola Longoria d. Grace Hughes, 11-3, 11-0, 11-6

Quarter finals

Rhonda Rajsich vs. Krystal Csuk

Adrienne Fisher vs. Kristen Bellows

Kerri Wachtel vs. Susana Acosta

Paola Longoria vs. Cristina Amaya

Round 1

Cheyenne Hayes d. Tammarrian Rogers, 11-9, 11-1, 1-6

Grace Hughes d. Kimberly Ferina, 11-8, 11-3, 11-5

Follow the bouncing ball....

Posted by The Racquetball Blog at 12:29 AM 0 comments

Labels: WPRO

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

Want to go to the US Open?  Sit  with the Commissioner in the VIP Box, take photos with the lady pros and so much more?...make sure you're signed up on the Blog and watch for details?

FROM THE US OPEN PAGE:
The move to Minneapolis in 2010 was nothing short of a HOME RUN!  If you did not attend last year I am sure you heard the buzz—-the tournament was AWESOME!!  In addition to a huge turnout of players and fans the real story was the incredible downtown entertainment district in Minneapolis.  Hotels, restaurants, night clubs, world class shopping, and the gorgeous Target Center combined to provide a backdrop for non-stop fun!

Information will be released on Monday, September 5...

US OPEN 

Tell your friends....

US OPEN WPRO Preview

US OPEN WPRO Preview

Rajsich and Longoria Headline Women’s Field

by Leo R Vasquez

The Women’s Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) will once again bring their best athletes to Minneapolis for the 2011 US OPEN Racquetball Championships. A strong and talented field of the best female racquetball players in the world will converge together for the first grand slam of the WPRO season.

There are also many story lines at this event for several of the top players including four-time US OPEN champion Rhonda Rajsich who will be seeking her fifth US OPEN championship (’03, ’07, ’09, ’10) and solidify her legacy as one of the greatest champions of the US OPEN era; then there is former US OPEN champion, Mexico’s Paola Longoria (’08) who will be attempting to add another US OPEN championship to her resume and is also a heavy favorite to win. But why stop there, two-time US OPEN champion (’02, ’04) Cheryl Gudinas will be trying to become only the third player to win at least three US OPEN championships; or will we finally see Samantha Salas Solis hoist the coveted US OPEN trophy for the first time in her career?

Here’s a look into the tour’s top ladies hoping to make a splash and the odds of their chances to win a coveted US OPEN Championship.

Rhonda Rajsich (3:1 odds) – Rajsich is the odds-on favorite and the defending US OPEN champion coming into Minneapolis. She had another sensational performance during the 2010-2011 season in the WPRO and finished with the year end number one ranking for a fourth time in her career. She has already begun her quest to finish number one by capturing the season opener at the Ektelon WPRO Texas Open in Dallas, TX by defeating Samantha Salas Solis in the finals. Rajsich has proven time and time again that she can elevate her game when it comes to the US OPEN, look for her to claim her fifth US OPEN championship on Sunday and become the winningest US OPEN champion.

Paola Longoria (3:1 odds) – Also in the spotlight will be former US OPEN champion (’08) Paola Longoria, an energetic 22 year-old Mexican superstar who had just as much success on the WPRO last season as Rajsich did. In fact, Paola made the finals of every WPRO event she entered last season and nearly captured the year end number one ranking by only 25 points. Paola is no stranger to the US OPEN and her loss to Rhonda last year in the finals is all the motivation she needs to regain that momentum heading into the season.

Undoubtedly, Paola has the game, although she has a very unorthodox swing style, she can cover the court well and wears her emotions on her sleeve. She needs to try and use all that energy as best she can to heighten her focus and keep Rajsich from making more history.

Samantha Salas Solis (5:1 odds) – At the 2010 US OPEN, Samantha had a tough draw as she took on the best players from Japan, Columbia and former US OPEN champion Kerri Wachtel. Her semi-final appearance in 2010 against fellow Mexican countrywoman Paola Longoria is her best finish to date and she has the experience to reach the title match. Samantha recently made the finals of the WPRO 2011 season opener losing in four games to Rajsich, but can she take that ultimate step into the winner's circle at the US OPEN?

Adrienne Fisher (7:1 odds) – From the college classroom earning a masters degree, to a career in restaurant and hospitality management, Fisher has always been a threat against any opponent on the WPRO tour. Last year, she had to face three-time US OPEN champion Christie Huczek in the round of 16 and made an early exit. Can her powerful backhand and aggressive game style carry her farther than she’s ever been?

Cheryl Gudinas (8:1 odds) – How many words can you use to describe the two-time US OPEN champion Cheryl Gudinas? How about perseverance, and determination for starters, she is relentless with alot of focus and has the will to win against all odds. She won’t make any excuses about nagging injuries or lack of playing time. Cheryl says she will continue to compete as long as she advances in the draw and there is no better place than the US OPEN to bring it all together. She knows what it takes to win here in Minneapolis but does her body want to cooperate?

Kerri Wachtel (8:1 odds) – Kerri has always been known as one of the fiercest players on the WPRO tour. She packs a powerful punch in her small frame and she used every bit of that to win the US OPEN in 2001. She possesses all of skills to win, conditioning, mental tenacity, and her amazing quickness on the court can give her an edge over everyone else. Does she have enough in her arsenal to hoist another championship trophy?

Angela Grisar (10:1 odds) – The dark horse originally from Santiago, Chile now residing in San Ramon, CA is always a threat to anyone she plays. Angela also had a tough draw last year at the US OPEN losing to Rajsich early. When Angela takes the court with her power game, her opponents feel the pressure and that is where she shines. She has won a regular season WPRO tour event but is she ready to rise to the next level?

Kristen Bellows (12:1 odds) – The player formerly known as Kristen Walsh missed the US OPEN last year and hasn’t played much on the WPRO tour this past season. She was a semifinalist at the 2009 US OPEN losing to Gudinas and has the game to compete. She needs to get her confidence and her game back on track; will she stop forcing the big shots and let it come to her?

Sharon Jackson (16:1 odds) – Sharon is also a full-time college student at the University of Alabama trying to juggle the classroom with the racquetball court. She is more than just a pretty face on the WPRO tour with high school and junior national titles on her resume. Her biggest weapon could be her backhand, which at times resembles that of former US OPEN champion Christie Huczek. Now that she’s tasted success at the junior level, is she hungry to win on the big stage?

Sheryl Lotts (16:1 odds) – Sheryl is one of the youngest players on the WPRO tour. She nearly qualified last year at the US OPEN but dropped a close five game match to Jessica Parilla. She trains back home in Ohio with top IRT pro Andy Hawthorne and his wife Tracy which is great practice for anyone.

Will youth be served and can Sheryl show the world that she is a future superstar?