I recently wrote a blog mentioning J.D. Thompson and hinted that I would be writing about different players and Directors. This little write up is about a player...or 2, or 3..well actually it's going to mention several and I hope you all enjoy it!
The 1960's in America were known as one of the most tumultuous and divisive decades in world history. There were assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King. The Vietnam War, Civil Rights protests and a Cuban Missile Crisis before ending the decade on a good note when the first man landed on the moon. It was also in the 60's that NOW was organized focusing on Women's rights and by the early 70's Title IX was passed. This forced all male schools to open their doors to women and athletic programs to sponsor and finance female sports. A long time pioneer and advocate for equality, Women's Tennis great Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match in 1973. At the age of 14, Nadia Comaneci was awarded the Olympic Games first perfect score in gymnastics on her way to 5 Gold Medals. Babe Didrikson was another athletic sports pioneer as were Nancy Leiberman, Wilma Rudolph and Althea Gibson. Just like all of these ladies, there are some women that play in TCL that have made and continue to make their marks in a sport that typically has more men players.
Starting with Christina Espinosa who has been TCL's Female Player of the Year a few times and with her unique style she is always one of the top players. Espinosa, who plays out of the East Dallas Region is one of very few players who throws from a bent over position. With her silky smooth delivery and super flat bag, she can almost always gets her low flying bag to find the hole. Following her outstanding performance at Signature 2 in Mesquite, you can certainly expect Espinosa to be one of the favorites in any event she enters.
Veronica Vinson is another standout female player who has had lots of success in her years playing in TCL. Vinson has been playing since around 2012 and when she is on, she's as tough as any one on the boards! A five time TCL Female Player of the Year winning four straight years from 2012-2015, Veronica is as cool as they come. In the heat of a match she seldom shows her intensity but trust me, the Kaufman resident is fierce! Vinson has been throwing well here of late and I expect her to continue to be a player to watch.
One of the more impressive young players is Isabella Surprenant who at 14 years old became the youngest player to win a Signature Open Singles title. She also was the first female to do so and I don't see her slowing down any time soon. The Lawton Oklahoma native plays several nights a week and her arsenal of shots is a indication of just how much she plays. She has only been playing a short time but has developed a smooth right foot leading throw that can be lethal when she's at her best. Bella will be a tough out for anyone as I can only see her getting better and better.
There are several other ladies who have been playing in TCL and making names for themselves including Jesusa Rodriguez who can flat out put you in the truck! Taylor DeLeon, Betty Seymour, Leeanna Hartline, Toni Cranford, Amy Valdez and Brittney Arrington are all ladies who have been around for a few years who can prove to be hard outs at any time. Some of the newer players who are coming on are Jennifer Thompson, Megan Meaux, Desirae Cruz, Jodi Meredith, Vanessa Henderson and Cassie Kramer.
With the sport growing like it is, I expect more and more ladies to step up their games and become house hold names. I'm certain there are others that I failed to mention and I know there will continue to be new players rising up in the future. Keep throwing those 12's ladies!
Throw 'em straight y'all!
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