Annual Division I Women's Tennis Tournament
Charleston, WV • September 18–20, 2026
About the Tournament
Where Champions Meet
the Mountains
Founded by Charleston attorney Rusty Webb, Thunder in the Mountains has grown into the marquee tennis event in West Virginia. Now in its seventh year, the tournament brings the best women's collegiate tennis to the state's capital city for one electric weekend every September.
The event features a UTR-sanctioned singles competition with guaranteed match play in both a main draw and back draw. Past tournaments have attracted athletes from schools including Marshall, WVU, Cleveland State, Radford, and the University of Charleston.
"I want this to be a destination event — attended by all within the state and region," says Webb. "These are the best 20 players you'll see ever play, unless you go to a professional tournament."
Elite Competition
NCAA Division I athletes from Marshall, WVU, and top regional programs compete for $7,200 in total prize money across main and back draws.
Community Event
Open to the public with free admission. High school, college, and professional players take the court for three days of world-class tennis.
Beyond the Court
Craft beer vendors, gourmet food, live entertainment, and a kids' clinic make this the premier sporting event in the Mountain State.
When
September 18–20, 2026
Friday through Sunday • Three days of competition
Where
Schoenbaum Tennis Courts
3511 Venable Ave, Charleston, WV 25304
Indoor Backup
YMCA Kanawha Valley
100 YMCA Drive, Charleston, WV
Prize Purse
$4,000 Total
Main & Back Draw prize money • WVHS girls eligible but cannot accept cash
Schedule of Play
Friday, September 18
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Warm-up
- 10:00 AM: First Round Matches
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch (sandwiches provided)
- 1:30 PM: Second Round Matches & 1st Round Back Draw
Saturday, September 19 — YMCA
- 9:00 AM: Kids Clinic (volunteers welcome)
- 10:00 AM: Warm-up
- 11:00 AM: Main Draw Round of 16 & Back Draw 2nd Round
- 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Sandwiches provided
- 1:30 PM: Main Draw Quarterfinals & Back Draw Quarterfinals
Sunday, September 20
- 10:00 AM: Warm-up
- 10:30 AM: Semifinals — Main & Back Draw
- 1:00 PM: Finals — Main & Back Draw
Prize Money
Main Draw
- $1,500 Winner
- $500 Finalist
- $250 Semifinalist
- $100 Quarterfinalist
Back Draw
- $500 Winner
- $300 Finalist
- $150 Semifinalist
A back draw is included — players who lose in the main draw compete in the back draw for additional matches and prize money.
Tournament Memories
Photo Gallery
In the News
Press & Coverage
Thunder in the Mountains Returns to Charleston This Month
WV Record / Legal Newsline • 2025
Thunder in the Mountains Tennis Tournament to Start Friday in Charleston
WOWK 13 News • 2025
Thunder in the Mountains Tennis Tournament Returns
WSAZ NewsChannel 3 • 2024
Thunder in the Mountains Tennis Tournament Bringing Local and College Stars to Charleston
WCHS Network • 2024
Thunder In The Mountains Press Conference Set For Monday
HerdZone — Marshall University Athletics • 2023
On the Town: Thunder in the Mountain — Photo Gallery
WV Gazette-Mail • 2023
Thunder in the Mountains Tennis Tournament
WSAZ NewsChannel 3 • 2022
Thunder in the Mountains College Tennis Event Set For Next Month
WV Record / Legal Newsline • 2022
Support the Tournament
Help us grow Thunder in the Mountains into the premier women's tennis event in the region. Your donation directly supports athletes, youth programs, and the Charleston tennis community.
Prize Purses
Support larger prize money to attract top Division I talent
Youth Programs
Fund free tennis clinics for Charleston-area students
Venue Improvements
Enhance facilities at Schoenbaum Tennis Courts
Event Growth
Expand entertainment, vendors, and regional outreach
Make a Difference Today
Every contribution helps us bring world-class tennis to Charleston and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Contact Us to DonateInterested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Rusty Webb at rusty@rustywebb.com
Get in Touch
Contact Us
For tournament inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or general questions — reach out to Tournament Director Rusty Webb.