Twins to be inducted into state tennis hall of fame

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Twins Catrina and Christian Thompson, both 2003 Bishop Gorman graduates, are being inducted into the Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame.

By Christopher Drexel (contact)

Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008 | 1 a.m.

Catrina and Christian Thompson have done everything together in tennis since starting in the sport at the age of six.

Nearly two decades later, the twins are still accumulating honors as doubles players. On Friday the Green Valley residents and 2003 Bishop Gorman graduates will be inducted into the Nevada Tennis Hall of Fame during a luncheon at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place.

Other inductees include local coach Mike Agassi, father of professional Andre Agassi, and coach Ann Rockwell.

Catrina and Christian Thompson said their induction will be an honor.

"We were excited when we heard about it, just knowing we had a contribution in helping tennis become bigger in Las Vegas," Catrina Thompson said. "We didn't get here by ourselves. It was a great group that helped us get here — our coaches, family and all the people we hit with in Las Vegas."

The Thompsons began their career at Lorenzi Park in the United States Tennis Association's Nevada future stars program and ascended to a No. 1 U.S. junior ranking.

They later received scholarships to Notre Dame and became the first doubles team in school history to achieve a No. 1 ranking by the NCAA, both as sophomores and juniors. They reached the NCAA quarterfinals as seniors.

"Overall, it's great looking back at my career," Christian Thompson said. "I'm thrilled having gone to Notre Dame. I wouldn't change anything or regret anything I've done in tennis. It's great being able to see both my sister and I progress and do well at all levels."

After getting engaged in February, Catrina Thompson moved to New York this summer to be with her fiance, while Christian Thompson continues to reside in Henderson.

They are still competing and have recently held a doubles ranking of No. 524 in the Women's Tennis Association. The Thompsons won a $10,000 challenger tournament in Houston this past June — their fourth professional victory — and plan on entering more tournaments in the upcoming season.

Both said they wouldn't have had the careers in tennis they did if it weren't for each other.

"It was a huge help in doubles having my sister as kind of a built-in partner," Catrina Thompson said. "Most people have to set it up with someone just to practice. With Christian, it was just like 'Hey, let's go.' We shared in successes. And if we had a tough match we always had someone there to talk to about it."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or christopher.drexel@hbcpub.com.