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At Above the Net, we believe that reading has the power to open doors, inspire dreams, and strengthen communities. That's why we're committed to creating opportunities that encourage children and families to develop a lifelong love of reading—both on and off the court. Today was a wonderful day at the Little Library at Bud Kelley Park! We were grateful to welcome four firefighters from Henry County Fire Department Station 16, who generously volunteered their time to help rest

From June 11–14, 2026, two of Above the Net's outstanding athletes, Caroline and Casey, had the incredible opportunity to represent our program at the Lenny Simpson NJTL Leadership Camp in Memphis, Tennessee. This unforgettable experience brought together young leaders and talented tennis players from Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, creating an environment where campers could strengthen both their tennis skills and leadership abilities while forming friendships that will

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Cassidy, who was awarded a USTA scholarship that gave her the opportunity to attend the Disher Tennis Camp at Emory University. Throughout the camp, Cassidy had the chance to develop her tennis skills while experiencing all that a collegiate tennis camp has to offer. Each day focused on a different aspect of the game, helping her improve her forehands, backhands, volleys, serves, and overheads. Off the court, she enjoyed fun activities, ma

Too often, youth sports are measured by the wrong outcomes. Parents naturally dream big for their children. Scholarships, rankings, college recruitment, professional careers — these goals can easily become the focus. But in reality, the number of athletes who eventually play professionally is incredibly small. What often gets overlooked is the much bigger impact sports have on the thousands of kids who never become professionals — but still carry the lessons of sport with the

Immediate Release Contact: Brenda Gant, Co-Founder and COO Above the Net Email: Brenda@abovethenettennis.org Website: www.abovethenettennis.org When a community-focused sports organization teams up with a committed male mentorship program, the result is a powerful partnership that empowers young men both on the court and in life. Above the Net, a United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) organization and a leader in youth tennis and co

Mental health challenges among youth, especially girls, are rising at alarming rates. Nearly 3 in 5 girls report experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness, which is twice the rate seen in boys. These statistics highlight an urgent need for accessible, effective ways to support mental wellness in young people. One powerful solution? Sports. The Mental Health Benefits of Sports Research shows that girls who participate in sports are significantly less likely to experienc

We often think leadership is built in classrooms—through perfect grades, prestigious schools, and polished resumes. But research is telling a different story. And honestly, it’s one that many of us have seen firsthand. A post by Michelle Banks highlighted a powerful insight: 94% of women in executive leadership roles played sports growing up—and not just casually, but competitively. That statistic alone says a lot. But when you look deeper, it becomes even more compelling. Gi

At Above the Net, consistency matters—and that starts with our coaches. Recently, our team gathered for our bi-monthly coaches meeting, led by our Head Coach, Valdrez, to make sure we’re all on the same page as we resume our tennis programs across the board next month. Even with the cold weather, our coaches showed up and met indoors to talk through new techniques, share ideas, and reinforce how important it is that we teach with one unified approach across all levels. These

Once again, Above the Net is excited to offer our Tennis Summer Camp , giving young players the opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy the game in a fun and supportive environment. Designed for players ages 7–14 , the Above the Net Tennis Summer Camp is perfect for both beginners and developing players. Campers will take part in high-energy drills, engaging games, and match play while building skills, confidence, and a love for tennis. What Campers Can Expect Campers will enjo

Saturday morning, Above the Net partnered with the McDonough Walking Club and Young Dreamers International—an incredible organization dedicated to empowering young Black and Brown men to become future leaders. The experience was a powerful reminder that our mission extends far beyond tennis. We are deeply committed to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of every child we serve, and that commitment includes building meaningful relationships with community partners who share o

Giving Tuesday is here, and today, we invite you to be part of something that truly strengthens our community from the inside out. At Above the Net, we believe that every young person deserves access to safe, active, and empowering spaces—and we’ve seen firsthand how tennis can bring families closer, build confidence, and inspire growth. Our programs do more than teach a sport. They create a foundation of support, connection, and opportunities for youth!! Giving Tuesday is he

Above the Net had the opportunity to participate in the 2025 American Legion Post 330 Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament. This years' event was held at the Sun City Golf Club and had over 140 participants vying for coveted prizes and raffles donated by sponsors from across the community....all in the support of Hope for Heroes and all of the great work that the American Legion does for veterans and families. Caniece Haywood, Jerome Bradley, and Priscilla Blasingame of Above

Once again we had the opportunity to send a group of kids to the USTA GA NJTL (National Junior Tennis and Learning) Leadership Camp! ...

This week, Above the Net had the incredible honor of attending the 2025 US Open in New York City, thanks to an invitation extended by...

What do you get when two youth-centered, community focused sports organizations come together to deliver tennis? You get a game-changing...

Big things are on the way… The spotlight is shining on Caroline’s amazing tennis journey in the upcoming fall issue of We Are Henry! 🎾🌟...

To all my Above the Net students, Working with you has been a true privilege. Your passion for the game has taught me more than any...

Hello! Want to give tennis a try??? Please sign up for the Apprentice Program for Juniors. Please scan the QR code or click on the...

Hello everyone. Don't miss out on this exciting summer tennis camp event sponsored by Above the Net. Signing up is easy. Just scan the QR...

Over the past 7 weeks, 18 of our young athletes have been rising to the challenge in weekly singles matches using no-ad scoring—and what...