Tennis in the Parks youth summer program experiences record turnout

July 26, 2021 | 12:07 am

Updated July 24, 2021 | 2:44 pm

Photo by Marlys Mason

Tennis in the Parks, a local program hosted by Owensboro Daviess County Tennis Association volunteers, saw their greatest enrollment ever this summer for their annual Monday night program.

More than 100 youth ages 6-15 registered for the first session and a second session — league play — will open at the end of July.

The first summer program was held four years ago after local tennis player and coach Charlotte Miller was asked by a member of the United States Tennis Association Kentucky (USTAKy) if she would be interested in forming a volunteer group to provide tennis programs for youth in the area. Miller held two workshops for volunteers and physical education teachers, and that summer ODCTA held its first Tennis in the Parks program. 

“Since the majority of youth in our area do not have an opportunity to play tennis and develop tennis skills, affordable programs are needed,” Miller said. 

Each year, ODCTA offers free programs to local schools and community centers. They were planning to start working with after-school programs but that was delayed due to the pandemic.

This past year, Newton Parrish Elementary School PE teacher Emily Hamilton taught tennis to students as part of the curriculum just before the summer break. When the information about Tennis in the Parks came out, seven students from her classes signed up. 

Amelia Coomes was one of those students from Newton Parrish.

“[Amelia] loved it because Mrs. Hamilton was her PE teacher and she was excited to play at school and then learn more tennis with friends Monday nights, especially after the pandemic and not being able to see friends,” Coomes’ mother Lauren said. 

Sutton Elementary School had the most students sign up in previous years. When SES parent Cathy White saw the information and called Miller about signing up her two boys, Curtis and Leo, she made a social media post and 25 Sutton students were soon signed up. 

Sorgho Elementary School parent Chelsea Rice signed up her children and recruited some friends to join as well. 

“Not only did Chelsea add numbers, she also became a fun-loving volunteer,” Miller said. 

All ODCTA programs rely on volunteers to help and this year, Miller had to recruit many local players to accommodate the large turnout. 

Gail Kirkland, a local tennis player, volunteers with the ODCTA.

“I enjoy sharing my love for tennis with the younger generation — just seeing them active, laughing, having fun as their tennis skills progress from week to week tickles my heart,” she said. “It’s truly a lifetime sport.”

This summer is the first time ODCTA is offering a second session immediately after the youth tennis lessons. The second session is a youth tennis league where players can play singles, doubles and mixed doubles, Miller said.

Information about the second session, which runs through Aug. 23, can be found by contacting Miller at [email protected]. Tennis in the Parks is Monday nights at Moreland Park from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

July 26, 2021 | 12:07 am

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