The Hempfield recCenter will welcome professional female tennis players for the Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge, scheduled for Monday, Aug. 8, to Sunday, Aug. 14, at 950 Church St., Landisville. The USTA Pro Circuit event has been held at the rec center for over 10 years, attracting hundreds of avid tennis players and fans alike.

The challenge was originally conceived by tournament director Wilson Pipkin, who held the first event as a $10,000 challenge in 2008. "I first came here in 1985, and I knew at some point that this facility was built for a pro event," Pipkin said. "USTA called me 15 years ago and asked if we were available to host the tournament." The challenge has seen substantial growth since its inception; it has consistently increased in scope each year, even reaching $100,000 for this year's prize.

Players travel from all over the world to compete in singles and doubles, accruing world ranking points and getting ready for the US Open, held in New York at the end of August. Several of the event's alumnae have seen remarkable success in their careers, including Jennifer Brady, Elise Mertens, Jessica Pegula and Madison Brengle. Some players have recently achieved success at a global level, with Ons Jabeur finishing as a finalist at Wimbledon this year and garnering a substantial following during her time in London. Only weeks after last summer's tournament in Landisville, participant Emma Raducanu went on to win the US Open. "The players love it here in Landisville," Pipkin said. "When the facility in the Bronx was being remodeled, we were asked to host. The players almost didn't want to go back."

The primary goal of the event is to grow the tennis community and engage those with any experience level or background, from those who have never played before to lifelong tennis enthusiasts. "I love getting to know the players and have become good friends with people from all over," Pipkin said. "But I soon realized it was about growing tennis. We have clinics for beginners, social events, games, you name it. There is a spot for everyone to jump in at any level."

Last year, the tournament hosted players from over 20 countries and over 200 volunteers assisted with fundraising and transportation. The rec center will also continue its Serving Up Aces campaign, where the tournament and its sponsors will each donate $1 per ace to an organization. Over $10,000 was raised for the Hempfield Area Food Pantry last year, and this year the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development will be supported.

Hempfield recCenter has many other events planned, including high school night on Wednesday, Aug. 10, and Kids Day on Friday, Aug. 12. "We're always looking to keep things new and fresh," said Pipkin. "Any way to engage people and bring new players to the game."

For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Pipkin at wpipkin@hempfieldrec.com.