Eugenie Bouchard Joins Boston Lobsters
March 17, 2015 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Boston Lobsters News Release
Eugenie "Genie" Bouchard, currently ranked #7 in the world on the WTA Tour, was selected by the Boston Lobsters with the first overall pick of the Mylan World TeamTennis draft.
In addition to the Canadian-born Bouchard, the Lobsters drafted a strong lineup of rising stars and experienced talent including Lobsters veteran Irina Falconi, former collegiate standout Chase Buchanan, French Open Mixed Doubles champion Scott Lipsky, and WTA Tour doubles specialist Arantxa Parra Santonja.
"I could not be happier with our draft selections," said Jan-Michael Gambill, the Lobsters' head coach. "I think we have the perfect mix of experience and rising talent that should put us in a very strong position to compete for the league Championship."
Bouchard had a breakthrough year in 2014, reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open and French Open. She also secured a spot in the finals of Wimbledon to become the first Canadian to ever reach the finals of a Grand Slam. Bouchard has kept the momentum going this year as she defeated Serena Williams in the Hopman Cup in January and reached the quarterfinals this year's Australian Open. This will be Bouchard's third season playing for Mylan World TeamTennis, and her first with the Lobsters.
"I started playing Mylan World TeamTennis when I was 15 and it has always been a great experience; I love the competition and being on a team," said Bouchard. "I'm so excited to play for the Lobsters this summer and hope to bring a championship home to the Boston fans."
JAN-MICHAEL GAMBILL RETURNS TO BOSTON AS HEAD COACH
Jan-Michael Gambill, who played 5 seasons for the Boston Lobsters, has signed with the team to be our head coach for the season.
Gambill was ranked as high as No. 14 in the world in singles. He reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 2000 and won three singles titles on the ATP Tour during a career that was shortened by injuries. He has wins over four former world No. 1 players including Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Gambill played for the Boston Lobsters for five seasons from 2008 - 2012 and for a total of eight seasons in the Mylan World TeamTennis league.
"Jan-Michael is a fantastic addition to our team," said Colleen Hopkins, the Lobsters' General Manager. "He brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and a coach, and he was always a fan favorite here in Boston."
"I have great memories competing in Mylan World TeamTennis, especially when I had an opportunity to compete in Boston and for the amazing fans on the North Shore," said Gambill. "I am thrilled to be back in Boston now as the coach and we are looking to secure a championship for our passionate fans."
COLLEEN HOPKINS HIRED AS GM
OTHER SPORTS INDUSTRY VETS ALSO SIGNED ON FOR 2015
The Lobsters are thrilled to have added some great talent behind the scenes as well to make the 2015 Lobsters season the best yet! Colleen Hopkins is on board as General Manager, Charles Kehres was hired as Director of Events and Player Services, Jeremy Steindecker was named Director of Sales and Marketing and Darlene Hayes was named Director of Development.
Hopkins spent more than 20 years as the Director of Special Events and Assistant Tournament Director at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, managing the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and the annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend enshrining the legends of the game. In 2012, she founded Hopkins Events, a special event agency with a focus on event management and operations, sponsor activation and client hospitality.
"I have long admired the unique and innovative format of Mylan World TeamTennis," said Hopkins. "The competitive tennis and fan-friendly atmosphere is invigorating and I look forward to building a new Boston Lobsters team that will bring another championship to Boston."
SEASON DATES AND SCHEDULE
The Mylan WTT regular season will run from July 12-29, with the Conference Championships set for Thursday, July 30th. The Mylan WTT Finals will be held on Sunday, August 2nd on the home court of the Eastern Conference Champion. The Lobsters will once again play 7 home matches at Manchester Athletic Club and home dates should be announced in the next several weeks. Don't miss a single match this season - call 877-617-LOBS (5627) to speak with a sales representative about season tickets and other ticket packages!
World TeamTennis Stories from March 17, 2015
- Eugenie Bouchard Joins Boston Lobsters - Boston Lobsters
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