What can be said about Above the Net's Tennispalooza -- it was a HIT!!! Richard Craig Park was live and buzzing with motion and activity May 1st, 2021. With over fifty juniors and adults in attendance the day was filled with excitement from the start. As participants arrived and began to check-in, anticipation was in the air. Volunteers were waiting to greet everyone with swag bags and our expert coaches were on the courts ready to warm up eager participants. Parents were ready to observe the transformation of their junior from a completely new tennis player to a more skillful tennis player. As juices began to flow, coaches started teaching tennis techniques, such as proper footwork, how to hold a racquet and hit a forehand and backhand, as well as the proper way to serve a tennis ball. With the morning filled with learning and movement, that was enough to work up a huge appetite and Above the Net volunteers were prepared to handle the hungriest of participants! Hamburgers and hot dogs with the works, along with baked beans, chips and dessert were served to satisfy all. This was all in preparation for the afternoon of games and match play marked by colorful headbands for each participant to identify their individual teams. Who would win it all -- the orange, green, gold or gray team???!!! According to Above the Net, we are all winners because learning tennis improves us all and provides us with so much joy and exercise. Kudos to all that were a part of this event! We are on our way to growing tennis in our community one event at a time! See you on the court!
