33 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com BY COLIN MCCANDLESS Behind the Net Unsung heroes at the Credit One Charleston Open The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis event, returns to Daniel Island from March 28-April 5, having just won the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. You don’t reach such lofty heights without the hard work of dedicated staff and volunteers. But much of that labor happens behind-the-scenes or out of view, so we’re spotlighting a couple of the unsung tournament heroes who have helped make COCO such a perennial success. KEEPER OF COURTS Rob Eppelsheimer, who serves as facilities director for LTP Tennis’ Daniel Island and Mount Pleasant locations, has worked at COCO for 26 years. He oversees the merchandise retail tents, the preparation of all tournament courts and court maintenance. Eppelsheimer initially started in November 2000 and has been involved since the tournament first moved to Charleston from Hilton Head in April 2001. “I was here when it was a big dirt hole,” mused Eppelsheimer. He said their team kicks into high gear for the our town Credit One Charleston Open racket stringer Kin Roseborough posing in front of a racket stringing machine. The final product after all the prep and maintenance from Eppelsheimer and his team is a well-groomed Stadium Court that is ready for tournament action. Rob Eppelsheimer (left), who oversees court preparation and maintenance for the Credit One Charleston Open, works with a crew of seven staff and 20 volunteers to keep the courts well-groomed. Photos provided.
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