The University of South Alabama is a relatively young institution by most standards, but it is old enough to have seen two generations compete on its tennis courts. For junior Katie Welch, USA Tennis is a family affair.

Katie and Dianne Welch and Ron Eastburn share a special bond. Not only are they relatives, they are also Jaguars. 

Katie's mother, Dianne, was a three-year letterwinner for the Jags in the early 1980s; while her uncle, Ron, anchored Jaguar tennis teams in the early 1970s.

A native of Sydney, Australia, Dianne Welch followed in the footsteps of her older brother when she came to Mobile, but her passion for tennis began long before she came to South Alabama.

“I started when I was about six. My father was a tennis teacher,” she said. “I was one of four children who all played professional tennis. I played in Wimbledon and the French Open.”

Dianne first came to Alabama for her brother’s wedding and fell in love with South Alabama’s campus and tennis program. She arrived in the States in 1979 at the age of 21 and played three seasons, helping the Jaguars compile a 54-19 record.

“I came over for Ron’s (Eastburn) wedding and liked it here,” she said. “At the time, I really enjoyed (former women's coach) Marilyn Lubel. Mrs. Lubel was very, very good to me, very nice. She wanted me to come here.”

The legacy of South Alabama Tennis in her family was an integral part of Katie’s decision to become a Jaguar.

“I already had ties to the school,” Katie, who in addition to her mother and uncle has a brother and sister attending South Alabama, said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else. It was a big thing for the family.”

“This is one of those situations that you dream of,” said USA head coach Jaco Keyser, who had known Katie for several years from her exploits at the junior level. “It’s always been hard for us to recruit American kids. Every now and then there’s been a good local kid but they usually want to go elsewhere. With her talent and playing level, we just assumed she’d want to go somewhere else. She was homeschooled and had one more year to go before she graduated. In the summer, I received a phone call from Katie and she said ‘Coach, I think I can speed up my work and I would love to come to South Alabama in August.’ I put the phone down and immediately drew up scholarship papers.”

 “I thought it was great,” said Dianne. “I really liked it because she wanted to be at home. We can watch the matches and we get real excited about that. It’s just really fun to watch her out there and cheer the team on.”

 “It’s great,” said Katie. “I love it. I wouldn’t really have it any other way. I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else, especially far away. It’s nice to have the comforts of home in town, and still be able to do my own thing. Having them come out and watch is a big part. I think it’s great.”

Long before Katie knew she would become a Jaguar one thing was certain: she would play tennis. Her mother began teaching her the game at a very early age. 

“My mother taught me since I was three, throwing a ball at me,” said Katie. “Then in later years, when I was about 17, I used to play with my uncle a lot. I’d say they both coached me, but my mom more so than anybody. Still now, she tries to coach me.”

Katie has been rivaling her mother since she was big enough to hold a racket. Although the years have provided changes in the game, their competition remains strong.

“At the start she used to whip me pretty good,” Katie said. “She still thinks she can, but I’m pretty sure I’ve got her.”

Katie competed in WTA tournaments as an amateur, won the national title in the 14-and-under division and was listed in the world rankings.  She achieved these feats with her mother by her side as her coach.

Katie's uncle Ron also helped mold the young athlete.

“We used to play every day, mostly practicing,” Katie said. “He was hard on me, but it was good.”

The hard work paid off as Katie went 17-7 in doubles her freshman season with partner Michaela Babicova. She played sick for a good portion of the season with mononucleosis but rebounded and posted a 17-7 mark in singles last year, primarily at the No. 3 flight. She excelled in doubles again as a sophomore, teaming up with Erica Krisan for a 16-5 record.

That success has carried over to the current campaign as she claimed a flight championship in September at the Blue & Gray Fall Classic in Montgomery.

“She had a great sophomore year, won a high percentage of her matches, and the other players feed off her emotions,” said Keyser. “Going in to her junior year I’m expecting that she will step up and not just become an emotional leader but a team leader and that everyone will follow suit.”

Katie gained another coach in Keyser when she came to USA, but her original coaches still remain close.
“I’m still getting advice,” Katie said about the role her family plays today. “I’m still getting lessons even after I’ve been in school for years, but it’s good. I like it.”

Dianne Welch takes pride in watching her daughter compete at her alma mater. The Jaguars no longer use wooden rackets and they go on more road trips, but in Welch’s mind the things that made South Alabama tennis fun remain the same. 

“They get to travel a lot. Other than that, it’s the same thing.” Welch said, “The camaraderie of the team is just great. It’s just fun to have those friends and play.”

Dianne and Ron continue to be important pieces of the Jaguar community. Eastburn teaches in the Mitchell College of Business; and Welch adds a motherly touch to all of South Alabama’s home matches.

Katie said, “She comes to every home match, with cookies, talking strategy, watching and supporting. The whole family is always there.”

When asked if she will continue the family tradition and push her children towards tennis, Katie said: “I most likely will. I’ll secretly want them to, let’s put it that way. I’ll put a bunch of different sports on their plate, but then I’ll kind of nudge them that way.”