With news of the impending departure of Troy University Tennis Coach Eric Hayes, the fate of the USTA Women’s Classic in Troy is left undecided.

The annual fall event brings scores of world-rank professional tennis players to our community, where they compete for thousands of dollars in prize money; play in Pro-Ams; teach children’s clinics; and, most important, raise the profile of our community.

Hayes, who announced this week that he is leaving Troy effective July1, also indicated he plans to move the tennis tournament as well.

City officials have balked, and rightly so. While Hayes has been a key player in the coordination of the annual event, hosting and sponsorship is truly a community wide effort, including Troy University; local businesses; and the City of Troy.

From the tourism office staff who handle logistics to the residents who open their homes to the players to the kids who take part in the clinics, the tennis tournament reaches far and wide into Troy and the surrounding community. We are vested – and invested – in its success and we expect the city and university officials will work tirelessly to ensure it continues here in Troy.

Ultimately the USTA will decide the fate of the tournament and its location, and we hope it will keep the tournament here in Troy.