WTA and Citadel players serve up some love at the annual ‘Tennis in the City’
Sunday’s rain shower was no match for the enthusiasm of kids attending the “Tennis in the City” event. Excitement was in the air as local children and their parents eagerly waited for the clear weather so festivities could begin.
The annual one-day youth tennis clinic sponsored by SunTrust Bank brings WTA tennis players, local tennis pros, and scholastic tennis teams together. Since 2003 the event has introduced the game of tennis to thousands of Charleston children, many who have never played before.
Omar Ramberan, Senior Vice President at SunTrust Bank, said the yearly event “is a way to have children from all walks of life, experience the sport firsthand.” One of the best things about the event is “seeing the sheer joy and appreciation of the kids getting to hit a round with a tennis professional,” he said.
Claire Britton was thrilled about her first time on the courts. “I’m so excited I get to play tennis with a famous player!” Britton remarked.
Mayor John Tecklenburg and several other dignitaries spoke to the kids and their parents before heading from the rain soaked courts of the Jack Adams Tennis Center to a nearby gym. The Mayor feels tennis is an important part of the city’s recreational program. “It’s good for the mind, good for the body and good for the community,” the mayor said.
This year WTA players Abigail Spears, Darija Jurak, and Kaitlyn Christian along with the Citadel men’s tennis team came together to help local kids experience the excitement of the game. Citadel men’s tennis player, Tromaine Cobbs, stressed the importance of exposing young kids to the sport. He said, “It’s important because nowadays kids are just staying inside playing video games and not getting outside.”
Nine year old Wyatt Rust, was eager to practice his serve with Cobbs and the rest of the Citadel team. “I’m excited to play with the college tennis team,” Rust said.
Croatian tennis player Jurak had advice for tennis newbies. She said, “Just enjoy and have fun. It’s a new experience in life so make it enjoyable.”
Daniel Island resident Noah Jackson was looking forward “to playing tennis with friends and practicing his game.”
Nine year old Will Heffern was also eager to play tennis with friends, but was also looking for some advice. He said, “I’d like to get some tips on tennis and ask the professionals how to get higher up in tennis.”
Logan McCabe has been playing tennis for a year and hoped the pros could give him some useful pointers. “I want to learn new things to help improve my matches,” McCabe remarked.
WTA player, Christian was eager to work with the young players. She said, “It’s always good to try and inspire the younger generation and spend time with the kids. I’m looking forward to it.”
Spears, Christian’s doubles partner, was also excited to work with Charleston’s children and teach them about tennis. “There’s so much that sports can do for a kid, especially tennis. It’s just such an amazing sport,” said Spears.