by Lisa Aviani, SB Tennis Patrons
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On the afternoon of Thursday, December 5th, more than 50 4th through 6th graders from Harding and McKinley elementary schools converged on the Pershing Park tennis courts to face off across the net. The Harding Hawks and McKinley Bears had been working toward this match all semester and were eager to put their newfound tennis skills to use. After a rousing round of school cheers, the players, dressed in their team shirts, spread across six courts and put to work the backhands, forehands, smashes and volleys they had been honing all semester.
For the next hour, with many families in attendance, the teams rotated between courts, facing off against new rivals. At every court, there was a team of volunteers, feeding balls, taking score and keeping the games moving.
It was a brisk afternoon at Pershing but the kids were unimpressed by the cold. They were focused on their game and joyful to be out on the courts with their friends and some very accomplished volunteers. Coaches and players from the City College teams were there, as were a number of Santa Barbara Dons players, and many volunteers from the greater community. After play concluded, the players took part in a graduation ceremony, each receiving a "Community Tennis Player" diploma and a free racket. The afternoon culminated in the awarding of trophies (Hawks won, Bears took runner-up!) and a pizza party. When the school buses pulled up to take everyone back to campus, the players departed exhausted but full of a sense of accomplishment.
This event was the brainchild of the local non-profit Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons (SBTP). For the last two years, SBTP has partnered with the Santa Barbara School District's A-OK after-school program to provide free tennis clinics to children from underserved communities. Each semester, SBTP focuses on two local elementary schools, alternating between campuses. Sessions are staffed by SBTP volunteers of all ages, using nets set up on the blacktop. SBTP provides rackets, balls and all equipment. Sessions are led by experienced tennis pros and players, but no experience is needed to participate as a volunteer. Highlights of the "season" include a practice on full-sized courts at UCSB with the UCSB team, lessons from Westmont, City College and local high school players, as well as field trips to attend local matches.
Since its inception, the after-school tennis program has become one of the most successful and popular after-school activities in the school district. SBTP also identifies promising players from the program and offers summer scholarships to local camps and clubs. "This program is a great way to introduce tennis to local schoolchildren, many of whom would otherwise never have been exposed to the sport," said Program Administrator, Lisa Aviani. "These new players not only learn the physical skills of the game, but also soft skills, such as resilience, critical thinking and teamwork that will help them on whatever path they choose for life."
"It is great to see the enthusiasm and passion for the sport of tennis displayed by both the players and volunteers," commented Executive Director, Greg Tebbe. "Playing tennis leads to so many positive outcomes, both mentally and physically, and the goal of the SBTP continues to be to introduce this wonderful sport to as many kids (and adults) as possible."
The Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons schools program is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact program administrator, Lisa Aviani at lisaaviani@sbtennispatrons.org or (805) 448-4386.
