Huntsville gained one major event in 2021 as the coronavirus pandemic continued to linger throughout the country — the Southeastern Conference Gymnastics Championships.

Even others, wiped out in 2020 after a successful start the year before, have or will return. Next up is the United States Tennis Association Girls’ 16 National Clay Court Championships at Athletic Club Alabama and the Huntsville Tennis Center.

More than 200 girls from across the country will compete in singles and doubles July 11-18, which is open to players 16 years old and younger.

“I can promise that Eddie Jacques and his staff at the Athletic Club Alabama will provide first-class treatment,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said in a press release. “We’re also proud of the adjacent Huntsville Tennis Center, one of our Parks & Recreation Department facilities, and the work of pro Joc Simmons and his team.

“Both are exceptional venues, and there is a strong spirit of cooperation and teamwork that helps assure the success of an event such as this.”

Jacques, a Huntsville High graduate, is owner of ACA and will serve as tournament director. Jacques was highly ranked at a young age, won the USTA Clay Court 18 title in 1992 and went on to earn NCAA All-American honors at the University of Georgia.

“I think the USTA, the players and their families were impressed by what they discovered in Huntsville in 2019 and how all those involved created such a great tournament,” Jacques said.

“This is a valuable event for the city of Huntsville and it’s important as we continue to grow and support youth tennis in the area.”

According to the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the tournament provides more than a $650,000 economic impact to the area.

Alana Boyce, a Randolph School student, AHSAA state champion and 2020 Alabama Junior Player of the Year, will be among the field. She’s the first local player to qualify for the nationals since Huntsville began its host role.

Delaware’s Aubrey Nisbet, a surprise winner as a 14-year-old in 2019, will return to defend her title.

The USTA originally agreed to a two-year deal for Huntsville to host the tournament. That deal has since been altered with ACA set to host through 2014.

“We know there will be a few familiar faces returning from 2019, but we know that many of the players and their families will be first-time visitors to Huntsville,” said CVB President/CEO Judy Ryals. “We look forward to sharing all that Huntsville has to offer. The CVB is proud to serve as a partner in this event, and we look forward to helping create a memorable experience for the athletes and their families.”

For more information on the tournament and associated volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact ACA’s Bonnie Lioce at bonnie@athleticclubalabama.com.