Dream Team Heads to Tennis Championships in Arizona

The Dream Team: (L–R, back row) Kim Kong, Clarita Balala, Pam Dolin, Birlinda Akinaka, Nikki Tanaka, Leslie Wilshusen, Mary Lindner, Ann Marugaki (front row) Fumi Mutzenberg, Satoko Yoshikawa, Nikki Baysa, Marisa Fujimoto (captain) and Barbara Skaggs (Esther Juan and Christie Trenholme are not pictured).

Dreams of victory have become a reality for yet another Maui tennis team.

Maui’s Dream Team swept the statewide championship during the U.S. Tennis Association 3.5-level women’s sectionals at the Patsy T. Mink Central O‘ahu Regional Park in August 2017, defeating two Big Island teams and two O‘ahu teams to clinch

The Dream Team will now move on to the national championship at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex in Surprise, Arizona, from Oct. 6 through 8.

To help fund expenses for the mainland trip, the team will hold a fundraiser at Wells Park in Wailuku on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017.

The team invites tennis players of all levels to participate in a round robin and browse the silent auction items that will be available at the event.

Items include certificates for hotel stays, golf rounds, dining, jewelry, tennis lessons, tennis stringing and more.

“The round robin will begin at 9 a.m. so come early to register and start bidding!” said team captain Marisa Fujimoto.

“I am incredibly grateful for my amazing team,” Fujimoto added. “They are all wonderful people on and off the court, and we’ve had an awesome season together!  We are also humbled and thankful for the warm support we’ve received from the community in our fundraising efforts.”

Prizes will be awarded to the top winners.

Lunch will be served at noon.

“Win or lose, you will have fun while supporting your tennis friends,” said Fujimoto. “We will do our best to make Maui proud at nationals next month!”

Registration is $30. Call 495-6193 or 264-0194 to register or for more information.

Members of The Dream Team include Kim Kong, Clarita Balala, Pam Dolin, Birlinda Akinaka, Nikki Tanaka, Leslie Wilshusen, Mary Lindner, Ann Marugaki, Fumi Mutzenberg, Satoko Yoshikawa, Nikki Baysa, Marisa Fujimoto (captain), Barbara Skaggs, Esther Juan and Christie Trenholme.