Local tennis player claims bronze medal at USTA Summer National Tennis Championships

photo by: Courtesy photo

Kinley VanPelt, who is from Lawrence, placed third in her age group at the USTA Summer National Tennis Championships.

A local tennis player picked up a rare accomplishment in early August.

Kinley VanPelt placed third in the 12-and-under division at the USTA Summer National Tennis Championships in Georgia. The tournament had 128 total participants in the field. Kinley went 6-1 during the event, with her lone loss coming at the hands of the No. 1 seed in the semifinals.

VanPelt, who will be in seventh grade at Southwest Middle School, was ranked ninth overall in her age group in the country entering the event. With last week’s performance, VanPelt moved up three spots and is ranked No. 6 overall. VanPelt trains in Lawrence with her dad, Vance, as well as the KCUT Tennis Academy at Overland Park Racquet Club with her other coach, Eric Rand.

In addition, VanPelt is the younger sister of Keegan VanPelt from Free State. Last season, Keegan VanPelt placed fifth in the singles bracket at the 6A state tournament during her sophomore campaign.

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