In an endeavor to both give back to our community in a way that shares the game we all love, our team has scheduled our first round of Quickstart tennis at Sharpstein Elementary school. By using modified (Quickstart) tennis equipment we can introduce the game to entire classes of children. Doing it during school PE time ensures that no child, regardless of background, misses out on this opportunity to not only learn the sport of a lifetime but also to interact with the wonderful and talented group of student athletes we have on our team.
The program at Sharpstein provides each second grade class four 45 minute sessions and will take place between Nov 30th and Dec 11th, 2009.
Quickstart tennis, uses shorter rackets, lighter, bigger balls, and a small court that can be set up with a portable net and court markers in any gym, multipurpose room or playground.
To purchase this equipment for the use of ALL schools in the Walla Walla area, the USTA has awarded Whitman a grant of $700. As a follow up to this great community service, both Men's and Women's tennis at Whitman will continue to work with the City of Walla Walla and other local tennis partners to provide more instructional and competitive opportunities for our local youth.
The immediate follow up is our annual Women's Tennis Winter after school fundraising camp running this January 11-15th (email womenstennis@whitman.edu for info). Last years camp was a hit and we hope to have even more fun after introducing the game to EVERY second grade student at Sharpstein.
Stay tuned for photos and updates on the great work these young women are doing both on and off court and have a wonderful start to your holiday season with Thanksgiving right around the corner.
Best regards,
Coach Hein and the Whitman Women's tennis team
