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Photo by: Duke Athletics
Blue Devils Enjoy Tropical Preseason Trip to Florida
1/13/2023 9:03:00 AM | Women's Tennis
DURHAM -- As the Duke women's tennis team gets set to open the 2023 spring slate on Friday afternoon against Furman at 4 p.m., inside the Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center, the Blue Devil tandem of senior Chloe Beck and sophomore Ellie Coleman took some time to look back at a tremendous seven days in Florida recently.
We arrived at Ocean Reef Club on January 4 ready for a trip full of fun and team-bonding time. Almost immediately after arriving, we were treated to an amazing dinner with Spike Yoh and his family.
Even without much time to explore during our first evening on the island, we already knew this trip would be something special. We started off the next morning with a team breakfast overlooking the marina and a golf cart tour of the island. Once we got our bearings, we were given the rest of the day off to explore on our own. A few of us decided to hit the courts for a light practice on the clay, and after, we all joined up to relax outside by the beach and pool. With 80-degree weather in January, we couldn't let it go to waste. The time spent chilling outside together, enjoying the weather only made us more excited for the week ahead.
On the second day, we got going early with another team breakfast and a friendly team competition. We were tasked with building boats out of cardboard, tape, and plastic wrap. A test in planning and communication, we were split into teams and given 45 minutes to build our boats. After building and an intense race, Bri (Shvets), Iuliia (Bryzgalova), Georgia (Drummy), and Stephen (Ward) came out on top with the winning boat (Danny's German engineering was not what we had expected, and it resulted in Chloe (Beck) and Katie (Codd) sinking within 10 seconds of their boat hitting the water).
Following some rest time, we headed over to the courts in our golf carts. We had our first team practice of the new year and played in a pro-am with the members. It was super fun to meet everyone during the friendly matches.
The following day started off with a kayak trip around the nearby mangroves. The weather was perfect for a day out on the water. We were lucky to see lots of marine life such as stingrays, pelicans, a variety of tropical fish, and golf ball coral. There was just something about gliding over the still water that brought a sense of peace and calm over everyone - a bit of a different vibe than the intensity from our team in dual-matches, but it was amazing.
Later that day, we were back at the courts for more team hitting, which was focused on repetitions and point play. We ended the day with two exhibition matches for the members. Not only were we able to put on a little show for the members, but these matches fueled the team's competitive fire, getting us ready for the season.
On Sunday, for our last non-tennis team competition we were sent out on a scavenger hunt across the island. Making our way from the tennis club to the pool to the marina, we solved riddles, gathered items, and took pictures to gain points. Despite a valiant effort from each team, the coaches came out victorious with the most points. Our competitive juices really got flowing during the hunt which only added to the fun.
After the time in the sun, we all took a rest before practice in the afternoon. Practice consisted of some fed ball and situational point play. Post-practice, we had our last event with the Ocean Reef members in which we played some friendly games. With the Ocean Reef teaching pros feeding the drills and facilitating, we played with the members in a whole bunch of fun games like rush, crush and triples. Later that evening, we were treated to an absolutely stunning dinner at the golf club. I think all of us would agree that it was some of the best steak we've ever had. Jamie (Ashworth) always does an amazing job picking dinner spots on our away trips during the season, but I'm not sure he'll top this one…
The last day on Ocean Reef was special because it was Katie's birthday! To celebrate, some of the team, including Katie, went on a snorkeling trip. They ventured out to Carysfort Lighthouse, where they got to explore the clear blue waters. They found a sea turtle, a southern stingray, lots of colorful fish, and Katie even saw a shark!
Others took time back at the resort to relax by the pool and on the beach. In the afternoon, we headed out for our last practice where we played some sets against each other. We said goodbye to the courts and made our way to our final dinner on the beach. We arrived to a spread of Mexican cuisine, which we all enjoyed very much. With the moon shining bright orange, our night ended with a bonfire on the beach where we made smores and took time to reflect on our trip.
We were welcomed with open arms by everyone at Ocean Reef Club, and we could not be more thankful for the opportunity to take this trip, as it really feels like a once in a lifetime experience. Not often will we have the chance to play the sport we love in a place as beautiful and unique as Ocean Reef. The team has truly made memories that will last forever. We are leaving, hearts full and newly energized for the season in front of us.
Hope to see you in Sheffield and Ambler this season!
Chloe & Ellie
#GoDuke
We arrived at Ocean Reef Club on January 4 ready for a trip full of fun and team-bonding time. Almost immediately after arriving, we were treated to an amazing dinner with Spike Yoh and his family.
Even without much time to explore during our first evening on the island, we already knew this trip would be something special. We started off the next morning with a team breakfast overlooking the marina and a golf cart tour of the island. Once we got our bearings, we were given the rest of the day off to explore on our own. A few of us decided to hit the courts for a light practice on the clay, and after, we all joined up to relax outside by the beach and pool. With 80-degree weather in January, we couldn't let it go to waste. The time spent chilling outside together, enjoying the weather only made us more excited for the week ahead.
On the second day, we got going early with another team breakfast and a friendly team competition. We were tasked with building boats out of cardboard, tape, and plastic wrap. A test in planning and communication, we were split into teams and given 45 minutes to build our boats. After building and an intense race, Bri (Shvets), Iuliia (Bryzgalova), Georgia (Drummy), and Stephen (Ward) came out on top with the winning boat (Danny's German engineering was not what we had expected, and it resulted in Chloe (Beck) and Katie (Codd) sinking within 10 seconds of their boat hitting the water).
Following some rest time, we headed over to the courts in our golf carts. We had our first team practice of the new year and played in a pro-am with the members. It was super fun to meet everyone during the friendly matches.
The following day started off with a kayak trip around the nearby mangroves. The weather was perfect for a day out on the water. We were lucky to see lots of marine life such as stingrays, pelicans, a variety of tropical fish, and golf ball coral. There was just something about gliding over the still water that brought a sense of peace and calm over everyone - a bit of a different vibe than the intensity from our team in dual-matches, but it was amazing.
Later that day, we were back at the courts for more team hitting, which was focused on repetitions and point play. We ended the day with two exhibition matches for the members. Not only were we able to put on a little show for the members, but these matches fueled the team's competitive fire, getting us ready for the season.
On Sunday, for our last non-tennis team competition we were sent out on a scavenger hunt across the island. Making our way from the tennis club to the pool to the marina, we solved riddles, gathered items, and took pictures to gain points. Despite a valiant effort from each team, the coaches came out victorious with the most points. Our competitive juices really got flowing during the hunt which only added to the fun.
After the time in the sun, we all took a rest before practice in the afternoon. Practice consisted of some fed ball and situational point play. Post-practice, we had our last event with the Ocean Reef members in which we played some friendly games. With the Ocean Reef teaching pros feeding the drills and facilitating, we played with the members in a whole bunch of fun games like rush, crush and triples. Later that evening, we were treated to an absolutely stunning dinner at the golf club. I think all of us would agree that it was some of the best steak we've ever had. Jamie (Ashworth) always does an amazing job picking dinner spots on our away trips during the season, but I'm not sure he'll top this one…
The last day on Ocean Reef was special because it was Katie's birthday! To celebrate, some of the team, including Katie, went on a snorkeling trip. They ventured out to Carysfort Lighthouse, where they got to explore the clear blue waters. They found a sea turtle, a southern stingray, lots of colorful fish, and Katie even saw a shark!
Others took time back at the resort to relax by the pool and on the beach. In the afternoon, we headed out for our last practice where we played some sets against each other. We said goodbye to the courts and made our way to our final dinner on the beach. We arrived to a spread of Mexican cuisine, which we all enjoyed very much. With the moon shining bright orange, our night ended with a bonfire on the beach where we made smores and took time to reflect on our trip.
We were welcomed with open arms by everyone at Ocean Reef Club, and we could not be more thankful for the opportunity to take this trip, as it really feels like a once in a lifetime experience. Not often will we have the chance to play the sport we love in a place as beautiful and unique as Ocean Reef. The team has truly made memories that will last forever. We are leaving, hearts full and newly energized for the season in front of us.
Hope to see you in Sheffield and Ambler this season!
Chloe & Ellie
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
Eleana Yu Post Match vs. Auburn
Saturday, May 10
Jame Ashworth Post Match vs. Auburn
Saturday, May 10
Ellie Coleman Post Match vs. FAU
Saturday, May 03
Jamie Ashworth Post Match vs. FAU
Saturday, May 03
