How two rival league teams came together for suppport
By Lindsey Davila, special to USTA Georgia
In the tennis world, stories of sportsmanship are cherished, and none compare to the bond between two rival teams: Arrie Lugar’s USTA Atlanta team and Karen Webb Smith’s Sugar Creek team. Their frequent matchups at USTA League matches, State Championships, and ALTA City Finals are legendary.
Lugar’s team, the “Barbie Army,” known for their on-court flair (sporting high ponytails and pink skirts), kicked off this story at the Combo Qualifying tournament, hosted by USTA Atlanta by clinching victory twice against Sugar Creek, awarding them a berth to the Combo State Championships in Bainbridge, GA.
The teams met again when Sugar Creek received a Wild Card for the Combo State Championships, ensuring another round-robin matchup. Lugar’s team defeated Sugar Creek, putting them into the finals.
The story took a heartwarming turn as, instead of getting into the car and making the 4-hour drive home after their morning match, Karen’s team stayed in Bainbridge. They returned to the courts, cheering on their rivals in an extraordinary act of sportsmanship.
In the grand tennis arena, this narrative, encapsulating the spirited rivalry between Arrie Lugar and Karen Webb Smith’s teams, stands as a testament to the enduring values of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in competitive tennis. This isn’t merely a story; it’s a testament to the spirit that makes tennis more than just a game—it’s a celebration of the shared love and respect for the sport.
