Participant Testimonials:
99% of league participants rate their experience as "positive."
Jack Weston – Maketewah Country Club
This league substantially increased my platform tennis acumen, allowing me to play with both players above and below my skill level, challenging me in many ways to improve my game. Also the convenience of time options and geography made it super convenient. I highly recommend any players join the league and any clubs to participate as hosts. It is for the betterment of platform tennis across Cincinnati and enhances the active usage at my home club.
Bill Boughton – Glendale Lyceum
Doug Jones has done an outstanding job organizing and running the Platform Tennis League. This has been a great way to improve my game, meet new players, and have lots of fun. Doug does a super job of setting up competitive and challenging matches for us and his record keeping, videos, etc with his website are fantastic. We are lucky to have someone of Doug’s caliber running this platform league for us. Clubs that host this league offer their members an excellent opportunity to play paddle and potentially add to their membership.
Pete Robinson – Cincinnati Country Club
PTL has been an outstanding experience...it has allowed players to participate in competitive fall/winter PT on Thursday nights w/out having to track down a private game...Doug Jones has worked quite hard to provide an excellent opportunity to grow the sport throughout the community while being sensitive to such matters as flexibility, cost, geography, & competitive balance.
Kathy Schneider – Cincinnati Country Club
This has been a lot of fun. I appreciate that CCC has been a participant, and have enjoyed becoming acquainted with a couple of clubs I hadn't been. It's been interesting to see the different club cultures, if you will, in a good way. I have also come to appreciate what a great coaching staff we have. Love playing with folks I would rarely, if ever, have a chance to play with in my women's day D-2 league.
David Wellinghoff – Hyde Park Country Club
This league has provided me with additional training and practice. Rather than play with my fellow club members only (which I greatly enjoy) I have the opportunity to play with various levels of talent. It requires me to assess my opponents and my partner very quickly to determine the best opportunity to win the set. It heightens my awareness of the game. This league also allows me the opportunity to expand my paddle associations. I recommend for all levels as Doug is fantastic at matching players.
Ryan English – Kenwood Country Club
The Platform Tennis League has been a great experience. It has allowed me the opportunity to play with players of all different skill levels. I would recommend to anyone looking to play more paddle. The league scheduling is flexible enough to fit any schedule.
Dave Necessary – Cincinnati Sports Club
As someone new to paddle, I looked three places to pick-up the sport - informal club matches, GCPTA league matches, Platform Tennis League. PTL was by far the most impactful way for me to learn the sport. In my first couple weeks I spent time on the court with players ranging from nationally-competitive to relative beginners. Regardless of level, the atmosphere was always competitive, but also social and supportive. The opportunity to play at a number of clubs against a number of different types of players without having to worry about creating my own network of players or scheduling matches is extremely helpful. Meanwhile, having the flexibility to only play when my schedule permits is invaluable. Big thanks to Doug and all the clubs that make the league possible...
Amy Lutz – Hyde Park Country Club
I think the format is well-organized and planned. It is more enjoyable than the league play for D1 women in Cincinnati, in my opinion. I would like to see it grow into more clubs, to invite more organization and geographic options. I would like to see some "pro" clinics within the league and would pay for such times to play with better players. It is a great experience to play with the D1 and D2 men. It is a more challenging format, and creates more interest in the sport. Without public courts in Cincinnati, growing paddle throughout the community becomes difficult for non-country club/club members and stagnates the sport’s ability to draw upon new talent. If member satisfaction at clubs drives decisions, expanding this particular league to other clubs is crucial to keeping interest in the sport at a high level.
Lawrence Gamblin – Kenwood Country Club
Very Grateful that we have the PT Leagues as an option. I've met a lot of other players, and had a chance to play against a wide range of different people with different playing styles. PT players in Cincinnati are very lucky to have the PT leagues.
Evan Webeler – Oak Hills Swim Club
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing in the PTL for three years now. Having a regularly scheduled night in which I know I can play with others around my skill level is invaluable. I belong to a swim club and play there about every other week, but I am not able to play against competition similar to the PTL. The organization of the league is phenomenal and would recommend anyone that has interest in paddle to participate.
Mike Caudill – Hyde Park Country Club
Many of our players at HPCC greatly enjoy your league and I thank you for helping build-up players and promoting the game in general. This is a phenomenal service to the Cincinnati paddle community!
Dave Geppert – Four Bridges Country Club
The PTL was the ultimate in flexibility for a guy who travels a lot. I was able to play with a diverse group of players ranging in skill set. I enjoyed getting to meet people that I normally would not cross paths with in league play.
Robert Gerwin – Camargo Club
Great job and your innovation is great for the game! Thanks for everything.
Andy Heldman – Losantiville Country Club
A positive contribution to growing Cincy PT.
Jeanne Miller – No Club – New 4.5+ tennis player
I thoroughly enjoyed the PT league, the players were welcoming and encouraging. I would've played more but injury and time constraints prevented that but the Club locations were very convenient, I wish weekend play was an option as well.
Rob Bakker – Pro – Camargo Club
Doug has done an incredible job getting more people out to play platform tennis. I enjoy getting to play with different people, new and upcoming talents and the ability to have a social time afterwards as well. I think its a great advantage to have geographic options, as members can still play at their own club, but now with people of similar ability.
Sarah Chasnoff – Cincinnati Country Club
Doug, I give you a lot of credit for taking this on. I think u achieved your goal of increasing participation in the game & connecting people with others to play with.
Pete Tarnowski – No Club – Top local player
At age 49 with two small kids, it is rare to get an opportunity to get exercise and enjoy time with friends. If those opportunities arise, you want them to be worthwhile. Platform tennis is very efficient in this regard. The action is intense enough to get exercise in a short period of time such as an hour or hour and a half... not like a round of golf which requires half a day. For whatever reason, virtually all the guys that play are good guys. It is a sport that allows weaker plays to enjoy some good action even if they are not winning, and allows stronger players to develop skills and challenge themselves, even if winning often. In tennis you have to have the right level opponent to enjoy... not the case with platform. I can honestly say I have never gone out to play platform tennis and come back home dissatisfied with the experience. I believe I will be able to enjoy it well into my 60's.
Bob Kooris – Glendale Lyceum
I have seen an increase in interest in PT most likely due to this league. More high level tennis players are starting to play PT. I especially enjoy playing with players that are slightly better than I am. I find that it has improved my game. In a club, you tend to play with the same people all the time. It seems to have added new life to the PT experience.
Karen Crowley – Maketewah Country Club
Enjoyed playing in the organized league … saves me from having to do it myself! Most weeks were equal competition.
Ellie Palmer Maxwell – No Club – New 4.5+ tennis player
This league provides a wonderful chance for paddle players to meet other players from clubs that they might not otherwise play. I had a great time meeting all levels of play, everyone was really friendly. It was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to give paddle a try.
Mike Herrel – No Club
Out of college, I found it difficult to get into the platform tennis scene in Cincinnati without joining an expensive club. This was a few years before this league was formed. This league is a fantastic way to get new, young players involved. It has also exposed me to other clubs which I would now consider joining based on the availability of platform tennis courts as I progress in my career and have more disposable income. Otherwise, I may not have even known some of these clubs even existed.
Tony Teufel – Teaching Pro & Met Champ – Kenwood Country Club
I love paddle and would like to get more players interested around the Greater Cincinnati Area.
George Peck – No Club – New 4.5+ tennis player
I had a great time playing in the paddle league for the first time. Everyone was friendly and helpful to get me acclimated to the game and improve my strategy and skill. I improved a ton from start to finish. The league was good for me since I do not belong to a club that has courts it gave me access to play and meet members of clubs. I enjoyed meeting new people each week and playing at different clubs. I am confident I will continue to play the sport each winter.
Greg Love – Cincinnati Sports Club
The Platform Tennis League was extremely well organized, facilitated good diversity of players and was excellent paddle competition. I appreciated the opportunity to have additional paddle matches during the week with new players, all with good skills and strong interest in the game. There were many "learning moments" I made use of. "Thanks"!!! Greg
Lisa McLaughlin – Wyoming Golf Club
Doug's leagues are well run and organized. It was great to play men and women from all over the city that I normally do not play against during GCPTA season.
Brad Pierce – Cincinnati Sports Club
Our (GCPTA) league team was disorganized and people did not seem committed to playing each week. Additionally, it seemed like a lot of matches were lopsided. The PT league guarantees me a chance to play every week in matches that are generally much more competitive from the GCPTA league matches.
Patrick Shiels – Hyde Park Country Club
I have enjoyed participating in the PT league for 3+ years. It is very well organized and a highlight of my week during the fall/winter. I have met many new friends and increased my level of play since I joined.
Bret Bruder – Maketewah Country Club
I thought the atmosphere at Maketewah was indicative of what Platform Tennis is all about ... competitive play, Food/Drink and bonfire... excellent!
Tom Eisenzimmer – No Club
I have met some really great people in the league. Its great to share the sport and have a cold drink afterward. The common interest along with the ability to see some young upcoming stars take up the game is wonderful Matches are competitive while often playing with a mix of players rather than a standing game.
Eric Toth – UC Tennis Coach & Hyde Park CC Teaching Pro
Can't thank you enough, Doug, for all you do for the paddle community.
Dan Mott – Cincinnati Country Club
Doug, Keep up the good work. You obviously want it to grow and reach out to others. You have a strong supporter in me.
Ralph Shine – Hyde Park Country Club
The Platform Tennis League has proven to be a very well organized and operated league. I honestly prefer the convenient site selection and playing a wide variety of people over the travel of the GCPTA league.
Chang Cho – Maketewah Country Club
Great opportunity to meet other players in the paddle tennis community. The simplicity and organization for those who participated was outstanding. Thanks again Doug.
John Fovel – No Club
The PTL has created a great opportunity for Cincinnati platform tennis. The focus on growing the sport has brought a large number of new players to the game. In contrast to other local leagues, PTL offers flexibility, consistency of play (no forfeited courts) and an appropriate level of competition for players of all ability and experience levels.
Andrew Beto – Other Club w/courts – new to Cincinnati
Very well organized league, helping to raise the quality of the paddle experience. I believe it represents a strong option for the participating clubs, both for their members, and for prospective members who get a chance to play at these quality clubs and may be interested in membership.
Martin Bruemmer – Cincinnati Sports Club
This league is full of quality players and people that love and respect the game. It is extremely well organized and smoothly run.
Richard Canelas – Tennis Pro – Tennis at XU - New to PT
Very organized and great way to meet new people.
Jim Getgey – Wyoming Golf Club
Very Helpful to meet more people that are playing in the area.
John McElhenny – Hyde Park Country Club
I really enjoyed the Fall session. Having a specific night of the week to play and a quality game arranged without needing to do the scheduling allowed me to play more regularly and I met new people. Very grateful that Doug puts this together. Unfortunately, due to injury I was limited for Winter session.
Chris McRae - Louisville
I have to travel from Louisville to play PT, and it is worth every minute. The level of play is great and the diversity of the players really helps me see different ways to play the game effectively.
Rick Lauer – Maketewah Country Club
I really enjoyed the fall league last year, which was the first time I participated. The level of play was higher than my club league, so it really helped me improve my game …
Dave Montgomery – Wyoming Golf Club
Great job introducing new players to the game and elevating the level of play in our area. Also glad to see you have opened this up to all levels and women. You are doing a great job and it is much appreciated.
Tim Schraffenberger – Oak Hills Swim Club
PT league is very well organized and run league. It is great competition and playing at various clubs enhances the experience.
Doug Ucci – No Club – New 4.5 tennis player
Really enjoyed getting involved in this sport over the past two sessions, but in the summer it competes with many other family and social activities.
Sandy Kuznof – Glendale Lyceum
Looking forward to playing in the summer league.
Wil Lofgren – Tennis Pro & Met Champ - New to PT
I had never played paddle until my first week in this league. The flexibility of play and the organized structure really made it enjoyable. I will continue to play paddle for years due to my initial experience with the sport.
Patrick Herrel – Wyoming Golf Club
The Summer and Fall PT Leagues were a great way for me to be welcomed to Cincinnati as a new resident. I have been able to play paddle, meet a great group of guys, and explore clubs and neighborhoods across the city.
Robin Carr – Wyoming Golf Club
I met some very nice people and had a great time playing in the league.
Jack Weston – Maketewah Country Club
This league substantially increased my platform tennis acumen, allowing me to play with both players above and below my skill level, challenging me in many ways to improve my game. Also the convenience of time options and geography made it super convenient. I highly recommend any players join the league and any clubs to participate as hosts. It is for the betterment of platform tennis across Cincinnati and enhances the active usage at my home club.
Bill Boughton – Glendale Lyceum
Doug Jones has done an outstanding job organizing and running the Platform Tennis League. This has been a great way to improve my game, meet new players, and have lots of fun. Doug does a super job of setting up competitive and challenging matches for us and his record keeping, videos, etc with his website are fantastic. We are lucky to have someone of Doug’s caliber running this platform league for us. Clubs that host this league offer their members an excellent opportunity to play paddle and potentially add to their membership.
Pete Robinson – Cincinnati Country Club
PTL has been an outstanding experience...it has allowed players to participate in competitive fall/winter PT on Thursday nights w/out having to track down a private game...Doug Jones has worked quite hard to provide an excellent opportunity to grow the sport throughout the community while being sensitive to such matters as flexibility, cost, geography, & competitive balance.
Kathy Schneider – Cincinnati Country Club
This has been a lot of fun. I appreciate that CCC has been a participant, and have enjoyed becoming acquainted with a couple of clubs I hadn't been. It's been interesting to see the different club cultures, if you will, in a good way. I have also come to appreciate what a great coaching staff we have. Love playing with folks I would rarely, if ever, have a chance to play with in my women's day D-2 league.
David Wellinghoff – Hyde Park Country Club
This league has provided me with additional training and practice. Rather than play with my fellow club members only (which I greatly enjoy) I have the opportunity to play with various levels of talent. It requires me to assess my opponents and my partner very quickly to determine the best opportunity to win the set. It heightens my awareness of the game. This league also allows me the opportunity to expand my paddle associations. I recommend for all levels as Doug is fantastic at matching players.
Ryan English – Kenwood Country Club
The Platform Tennis League has been a great experience. It has allowed me the opportunity to play with players of all different skill levels. I would recommend to anyone looking to play more paddle. The league scheduling is flexible enough to fit any schedule.
Dave Necessary – Cincinnati Sports Club
As someone new to paddle, I looked three places to pick-up the sport - informal club matches, GCPTA league matches, Platform Tennis League. PTL was by far the most impactful way for me to learn the sport. In my first couple weeks I spent time on the court with players ranging from nationally-competitive to relative beginners. Regardless of level, the atmosphere was always competitive, but also social and supportive. The opportunity to play at a number of clubs against a number of different types of players without having to worry about creating my own network of players or scheduling matches is extremely helpful. Meanwhile, having the flexibility to only play when my schedule permits is invaluable. Big thanks to Doug and all the clubs that make the league possible...
Amy Lutz – Hyde Park Country Club
I think the format is well-organized and planned. It is more enjoyable than the league play for D1 women in Cincinnati, in my opinion. I would like to see it grow into more clubs, to invite more organization and geographic options. I would like to see some "pro" clinics within the league and would pay for such times to play with better players. It is a great experience to play with the D1 and D2 men. It is a more challenging format, and creates more interest in the sport. Without public courts in Cincinnati, growing paddle throughout the community becomes difficult for non-country club/club members and stagnates the sport’s ability to draw upon new talent. If member satisfaction at clubs drives decisions, expanding this particular league to other clubs is crucial to keeping interest in the sport at a high level.
Lawrence Gamblin – Kenwood Country Club
Very Grateful that we have the PT Leagues as an option. I've met a lot of other players, and had a chance to play against a wide range of different people with different playing styles. PT players in Cincinnati are very lucky to have the PT leagues.
Evan Webeler – Oak Hills Swim Club
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing in the PTL for three years now. Having a regularly scheduled night in which I know I can play with others around my skill level is invaluable. I belong to a swim club and play there about every other week, but I am not able to play against competition similar to the PTL. The organization of the league is phenomenal and would recommend anyone that has interest in paddle to participate.
Mike Caudill – Hyde Park Country Club
Many of our players at HPCC greatly enjoy your league and I thank you for helping build-up players and promoting the game in general. This is a phenomenal service to the Cincinnati paddle community!
Dave Geppert – Four Bridges Country Club
The PTL was the ultimate in flexibility for a guy who travels a lot. I was able to play with a diverse group of players ranging in skill set. I enjoyed getting to meet people that I normally would not cross paths with in league play.
Robert Gerwin – Camargo Club
Great job and your innovation is great for the game! Thanks for everything.
Andy Heldman – Losantiville Country Club
A positive contribution to growing Cincy PT.
Jeanne Miller – No Club – New 4.5+ tennis player
I thoroughly enjoyed the PT league, the players were welcoming and encouraging. I would've played more but injury and time constraints prevented that but the Club locations were very convenient, I wish weekend play was an option as well.
Rob Bakker – Pro – Camargo Club
Doug has done an incredible job getting more people out to play platform tennis. I enjoy getting to play with different people, new and upcoming talents and the ability to have a social time afterwards as well. I think its a great advantage to have geographic options, as members can still play at their own club, but now with people of similar ability.
Sarah Chasnoff – Cincinnati Country Club
Doug, I give you a lot of credit for taking this on. I think u achieved your goal of increasing participation in the game & connecting people with others to play with.
Pete Tarnowski – No Club – Top local player
At age 49 with two small kids, it is rare to get an opportunity to get exercise and enjoy time with friends. If those opportunities arise, you want them to be worthwhile. Platform tennis is very efficient in this regard. The action is intense enough to get exercise in a short period of time such as an hour or hour and a half... not like a round of golf which requires half a day. For whatever reason, virtually all the guys that play are good guys. It is a sport that allows weaker plays to enjoy some good action even if they are not winning, and allows stronger players to develop skills and challenge themselves, even if winning often. In tennis you have to have the right level opponent to enjoy... not the case with platform. I can honestly say I have never gone out to play platform tennis and come back home dissatisfied with the experience. I believe I will be able to enjoy it well into my 60's.
Bob Kooris – Glendale Lyceum
I have seen an increase in interest in PT most likely due to this league. More high level tennis players are starting to play PT. I especially enjoy playing with players that are slightly better than I am. I find that it has improved my game. In a club, you tend to play with the same people all the time. It seems to have added new life to the PT experience.
Karen Crowley – Maketewah Country Club
Enjoyed playing in the organized league … saves me from having to do it myself! Most weeks were equal competition.
Ellie Palmer Maxwell – No Club – New 4.5+ tennis player
This league provides a wonderful chance for paddle players to meet other players from clubs that they might not otherwise play. I had a great time meeting all levels of play, everyone was really friendly. It was a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to give paddle a try.
Mike Herrel – No Club
Out of college, I found it difficult to get into the platform tennis scene in Cincinnati without joining an expensive club. This was a few years before this league was formed. This league is a fantastic way to get new, young players involved. It has also exposed me to other clubs which I would now consider joining based on the availability of platform tennis courts as I progress in my career and have more disposable income. Otherwise, I may not have even known some of these clubs even existed.
Tony Teufel – Teaching Pro & Met Champ – Kenwood Country Club
I love paddle and would like to get more players interested around the Greater Cincinnati Area.
George Peck – No Club – New 4.5+ tennis player
I had a great time playing in the paddle league for the first time. Everyone was friendly and helpful to get me acclimated to the game and improve my strategy and skill. I improved a ton from start to finish. The league was good for me since I do not belong to a club that has courts it gave me access to play and meet members of clubs. I enjoyed meeting new people each week and playing at different clubs. I am confident I will continue to play the sport each winter.
Greg Love – Cincinnati Sports Club
The Platform Tennis League was extremely well organized, facilitated good diversity of players and was excellent paddle competition. I appreciated the opportunity to have additional paddle matches during the week with new players, all with good skills and strong interest in the game. There were many "learning moments" I made use of. "Thanks"!!! Greg
Lisa McLaughlin – Wyoming Golf Club
Doug's leagues are well run and organized. It was great to play men and women from all over the city that I normally do not play against during GCPTA season.
Brad Pierce – Cincinnati Sports Club
Our (GCPTA) league team was disorganized and people did not seem committed to playing each week. Additionally, it seemed like a lot of matches were lopsided. The PT league guarantees me a chance to play every week in matches that are generally much more competitive from the GCPTA league matches.
Patrick Shiels – Hyde Park Country Club
I have enjoyed participating in the PT league for 3+ years. It is very well organized and a highlight of my week during the fall/winter. I have met many new friends and increased my level of play since I joined.
Bret Bruder – Maketewah Country Club
I thought the atmosphere at Maketewah was indicative of what Platform Tennis is all about ... competitive play, Food/Drink and bonfire... excellent!
Tom Eisenzimmer – No Club
I have met some really great people in the league. Its great to share the sport and have a cold drink afterward. The common interest along with the ability to see some young upcoming stars take up the game is wonderful Matches are competitive while often playing with a mix of players rather than a standing game.
Eric Toth – UC Tennis Coach & Hyde Park CC Teaching Pro
Can't thank you enough, Doug, for all you do for the paddle community.
Dan Mott – Cincinnati Country Club
Doug, Keep up the good work. You obviously want it to grow and reach out to others. You have a strong supporter in me.
Ralph Shine – Hyde Park Country Club
The Platform Tennis League has proven to be a very well organized and operated league. I honestly prefer the convenient site selection and playing a wide variety of people over the travel of the GCPTA league.
Chang Cho – Maketewah Country Club
Great opportunity to meet other players in the paddle tennis community. The simplicity and organization for those who participated was outstanding. Thanks again Doug.
John Fovel – No Club
The PTL has created a great opportunity for Cincinnati platform tennis. The focus on growing the sport has brought a large number of new players to the game. In contrast to other local leagues, PTL offers flexibility, consistency of play (no forfeited courts) and an appropriate level of competition for players of all ability and experience levels.
Andrew Beto – Other Club w/courts – new to Cincinnati
Very well organized league, helping to raise the quality of the paddle experience. I believe it represents a strong option for the participating clubs, both for their members, and for prospective members who get a chance to play at these quality clubs and may be interested in membership.
Martin Bruemmer – Cincinnati Sports Club
This league is full of quality players and people that love and respect the game. It is extremely well organized and smoothly run.
Richard Canelas – Tennis Pro – Tennis at XU - New to PT
Very organized and great way to meet new people.
Jim Getgey – Wyoming Golf Club
Very Helpful to meet more people that are playing in the area.
John McElhenny – Hyde Park Country Club
I really enjoyed the Fall session. Having a specific night of the week to play and a quality game arranged without needing to do the scheduling allowed me to play more regularly and I met new people. Very grateful that Doug puts this together. Unfortunately, due to injury I was limited for Winter session.
Chris McRae - Louisville
I have to travel from Louisville to play PT, and it is worth every minute. The level of play is great and the diversity of the players really helps me see different ways to play the game effectively.
Rick Lauer – Maketewah Country Club
I really enjoyed the fall league last year, which was the first time I participated. The level of play was higher than my club league, so it really helped me improve my game …
Dave Montgomery – Wyoming Golf Club
Great job introducing new players to the game and elevating the level of play in our area. Also glad to see you have opened this up to all levels and women. You are doing a great job and it is much appreciated.
Tim Schraffenberger – Oak Hills Swim Club
PT league is very well organized and run league. It is great competition and playing at various clubs enhances the experience.
Doug Ucci – No Club – New 4.5 tennis player
Really enjoyed getting involved in this sport over the past two sessions, but in the summer it competes with many other family and social activities.
Sandy Kuznof – Glendale Lyceum
Looking forward to playing in the summer league.
Wil Lofgren – Tennis Pro & Met Champ - New to PT
I had never played paddle until my first week in this league. The flexibility of play and the organized structure really made it enjoyable. I will continue to play paddle for years due to my initial experience with the sport.
Patrick Herrel – Wyoming Golf Club
The Summer and Fall PT Leagues were a great way for me to be welcomed to Cincinnati as a new resident. I have been able to play paddle, meet a great group of guys, and explore clubs and neighborhoods across the city.
Robin Carr – Wyoming Golf Club
I met some very nice people and had a great time playing in the league.