Tennis is often called "the sport of a lifetime" partly because once you learn to play the game, you can continue playing for nearly the remainder of your lifetime. It has also been proven to extend the player's life span and quality of life.
Not only is tennis a great all-body workout, it also has mental and emotional benefits. Tennis teaches sportsmanship, teamwork and discipline. It enhances flexibility, coordination, balance and speed. It boosts brain power, forcing the player to be alert and think tactically to plan and execute their moves thus aiding memory, learning, social skills and behavior. Additionally, tennis players have been shown to have higher vigor, optimism and self-esteem and lower anger, anxiety and tension than other athletes. Because of its many benefits, tennis is a great sport to learn early in life.
The Youth Tennis Program at Hickory Parks and Recreation offers year-round tennis lessons for boys and girls ages five through eighteen. Taught by Kathy Kim, a 2002 USTA National Teacher of the Year and 2004 Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame inductee, group lessons are offered daily Monday through Friday from 3:15-5:15pm at Hickory City Park located at 1515 12th Street Drive NW. Eight lessons are offered for $48.00 for City of Hickory Residents and $53.00 for non residents. Balls and rackets are provided and you can choose the days to attend week to week as your schedule allows. Participants may register at the tennis courts any day after school.
Each year, Spring Break Tennis Camp is offered through Easter break and Tennis Camp is offered over the summer. Dates vary annually.
For more information, please contact Kathy Kim at 828-322-4643 or 828-238-4563.
Editor's Note: This is a fantastic program and what a great value! My daughter has been participating for the past year and we highly recommend it! Ms. Kim is a wonderful teacher, supportive and patient with the kids while teaching them techniques tailored to their individual skill levels. We love the flexibility in schedule allowing us to choose the days we'll attend based on what best fits our plans. As a parent, I love that the lessons not only teach my child a new sport, they also provide an opportunity for her to get 2 hours of fresh air, exercise and interaction with other children. Come see for yourself; bring your child out to the courts this week!
