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2008 Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame class

PRESS RELEASE

Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame inducts

Mike Agassi, Anne Rockwell, Catrina and Christian Thompson

including speciel celebrity guests

WHEN: Next Saturday November 29th, 2008

WHERE: Stirling Club ball room inside Turnberry Place

WHY: Celebrate the 2008 Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame class

WHO: Master of ceremonies Clint Holmes, Inductees Mike Agassi, Ann Rockwell, Catrina and Christian Thompson and 3 special celebrity guests

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Las Vegas, Nevada: On Saturday November 29th 2008, The Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame will host a luncheon at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place to induct three new members: tennis legend Mike Agassi; community leader Ann Rockwell; and junior legends the Thompson twins, for their outstanding talents, abilities and commitment to the game of tennis. The luncheon will include special celebrity guests, master of ceremonies Clint Holmes and a performance from singing sensation Ellie Smith.

An international legend, tennis coach and father to Andre Agassi, Mike Agassi will be the first inductee into the Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame. When speaking of Mr. Agassi, Hall of Fame founder and U.S.T.A.-Nevada Executive Director Ryan Wolfington, stated, ?What Mike Agassi has done for the world of tennis is immeasurable, his kindness is limitless and this is our community?s chance to thank and recognize him.?

After making the Olympic boxing team for his native country, Mike Agassi, left impoverished Iran with the hope of carving out a better life in America. His journey from a dirt floor home with no toilet to developing one of the greatest tennis players of all time is only part of this miraculous American dream come true. Agassi is credited with unique innovations and inventions in tennis such as taking the ball on the rise, the swing volley, the modern day ball machine and the ball sweeper. Without argument his greatest contribution to the tennis world is his massive capacity for giving. Beginning in Andre?s youth, his father offered free lessons to the children in the neighborhood. That kindness now branches off through his son?s Foundation and through Mr. Agassi?s ongoing support of the Marty Hennessy Foundation. When questioned, however, the modest Mr. Agassi stated that his supreme accomplishment is his lifelong marriage to his wife Betty. ?I could never have done it without her,? Agassi said.

Hall of Fame Inductee Ann Rockwell is a community legend. There are few people with the history, passion and dedication of Anne Rockwell. After serving as Director of Tennis at the Las Vegas Country Club, The Las Vegas Hilton, she now resides at David Pate?s Bally?s tennis, where she still introduces newcomers to tennis and elevates those with the passion for the game. Anne has been involved in tennis in this manner for more than thirty-five years. ?She is the hardest working woman in tennis,? said former world number one, David Pate.

Rockwell got into tennis as a junior and soon attained the #1 ranking in her state and in the Intermountain section. Anne Rockwell, at one time, was ranked #16 in the United States. Her intensity and focus on the court landed her a scholarship to play tennis at Arizona State University. She was named to the prestigious U.S. Wrightman Cup team. After college she continued to play professionally and won the USPTA National Championships in singles and doubles, an accomplishment few have matched.

Rockwell has donated countless hours to help at-risk youth and through her efforts with the David Pate Charity tournament, raised thousands of dollars for local community charities.

?What makes Annie amazing is her own work ethic, her passion. Because of her so many people that may otherwise get bored or get out of the game, stay,? explained Ryan Wolfington, ?She makes a community down there at Bally?s and they are like family.? Rockwell?s players are known to be devoted to her.

The Thompsons will be inducted into the Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame as junior legends. Catrina and Christian Thompson are no strangers to a #1 ranking. First as U.S. juniors, then at Notre Dame the twins obtained an NCAA #1 Doubles ranking. They were the only team in Notre Dame tennis history to ascend to the national #1 ranking, and they did it on multiple occasions. The girls were five-time members of the Big East conference all-tournament team, with an 11-1 record in doubles. The Thompsons were the only tennis players featured in Sports Illustrated on Campus' "A List" of fourteen elite college athletes in October 2005. This past year the girls were chosen by the U.S.T.A. to represent the Unites States at the World University Games. The Thompsons have received multiple All-American honors. Since playing professionally, they have won three professional tournaments and reached a W.T.A. ranking of 524 in doubles.

The Thompsons began their storied junior career at Lorenzi Park with Craig Whitcher, thanks to a U.S.T.A.-Nevada future stars program. Then they were fortunate enough to be trained by Rita Agassi, heralded as the best female junior to ever play out of Las Vegas. After Agassi, the girls came under the direction of Ken Shioi, Director of Tennis at T.P.C.

Catarina and Christian?s mother and father are omnipresent, making their daughters? success in the sport possible. Father, Bob Thompson, was their full-time manager, supporter and, with their mother, their biggest fan. "The Thompson twins put Las Vegas on the map in the 1990's and early 2000's," said Hall of Fame's founder Ryan Wolfington, "The whole community always rallied behind them; they are our pride and joy."

For additional information on the Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame contact Hilliary E. Heard at 47.... Volunteers, slinent auction items and sponsors are needed to help make this years event a success. Call Ryan Wolfington at 702-792-8384 . All proceeds go to the U.S.T.A.-Nevada and Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation.

About USTA Nevada

USTA-Nevada promotes, grows and administers the game of tennis in Southern Nevada. Their junior programs and scholarships help youth reach their greatest potential. More information can be found at www.nevadatennis.usta.com

About the Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation

The Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation inspires children in need through mentoring, tennis and education. More information can be found atwww.LasVegasTennis.com

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You are cordially invited to the

1^st Annual Induction of the

Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame

CLASS OF 2008

Mike Agassi

Legend

Ann Rockwell

Community Legend

Catrina Thompson

Christian Thompson

Junior Legends