USA Racquetball

The Women’s Professional Racquetball Organization (WPRO) crowned it's newest US OPEN champion as Paola Longoria defeated Cheryl Gudinas Holmes in the finals, 11-8, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7. Longoria made history by becoming the youngest US OPEN champion in the professional division and is also the first Mexican to win the coveted championship.
Longoria defeated all of the best female players in the world including former US OPEN champions, Kerri Wachtel ('01) and Cheryl Gudinas Holmes ('02, '04). Defending US OPEN champion Rhonda Rajsich was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Brenda Kyzer who would fall to Longoria in the semifinals.
Now in the spotlight as the currrent US OPEN champion, Longoria is an energetic 19 year-old Mexican superstar who has proven herself on the WPRO by winning several pro events already. Paola is no stranger to the US OPEN and her loss to Rhonda last year may have helped her confidence knowing she can compete at the highest level. She needs to try and use all that energy as best she can to heighten her focus.

Paola has the game, although she has a very unorthodox swing style, she can cover the court well, loves to shoot the ball, and rides her emotions to the very end. Look for more from Paola as the WPRO season continues.