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Conviction gripped me. I decided right then and there that I would start a community tennis program for kids like these.

One day two young kids were watching me play tennis. Whenever I went to retrieve a ball I noticed their gaze.

I'm sure they resided in the housing development right next to the courts. That housing development is home to some of the most notorious criminals in our city.

They peered at me longingly. Their look screamed that they would love to play this game but they had no idea of how to play or any means. There was no community tennis association in the area.

Conviction gripped me. I decided right then and there that I would start a community tennis program for kids like these.

Kids who could not afford the cost of lessons at a club or even the reduced costs of a public parks program would no longer have to peer at the court from the other side of a fence.

Perhaps you or someone you know has a heart for kids. You long to make a difference. You know the power of a well timed word along with the power of a well struck ball.

Within in this web site I will share the process I used to build a thriving community program. Our program uses mentors,instructors and large group games. The tennis is actually a carrot to recruit and retain kids for the mentoring component.

Please allow me to provide some of my background as well as my tennis credentials:

I am the Executive Director of Say Yes To Tennis Inc. and a Certified Tennis Professional with the United States Professional Tennis Registry. I received my certification from the VanDermeer Tennis University on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I have kept current with the most advanced tennis coaching programs by attending coaching conferences and participating in trainings at Saddle Brook, Nick Bolletteri, and Wilkerson-Smith Tennis Academies.

I am a native of Akron, Ohio growing up in Elizabeth Park Housing Development. Before starting, Say Yes To Tennis I worked as a Counseling Supervisor for a Chemical Dependency Program.

In addition to operating Say Yes Tennis, I have presented at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Minority Coaches Workshop in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the USTA Leadership Workshop in Tucson, Arizona and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

In 1999, along with Billie Jean King, and other top tennis professionals, I presented at the USTA Teachers' Conference in New York City. I continue to work with the USTA to further advance the participation of at risk youth.

What Kids and Parents Say About SYTT

Imani	I liked the tennis program because of all the fun games and activities. Also, I learned how to play tennis. I had great coaches.
Ihyanna	We are grateful to the Say Yes To Tennis program. Thank you for caring about the children. The lessons have helped the children in school sports. Our family and friends like to play tennis now too. Thank you. (parent)
Deja	The reason I like tennis is because it is fun to me and I have friends there who our nice and I have good coaches, who helps me learn how to play tennis.

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Say Yes To Tennis has developed and refined a renowned summer tennis program second to none and brimming with fun. Combining the very best in tennis instruction, supervision and fun-filled activities has become our trademark. For more information and on-line registration visit our