Last weekend, some Taylor-area women and girls raised a racket—and had a ball.
On April 5, 16 moms and their daughters learned the fundamentals of tennis at Murphy Park’s courts through the Taylor Area Tennis Association’s first “Pink Out Play Day,” a free event funded through a $2,500 community grant from the National Women’s Tennis Organization.
The daughters ranged in age from 6 to 12.
“It was awesome,” said Marcus Reese, the president of TATA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating tennis for all residents of Eastern Williamson County, regardless of age, ethnic background or ability to pay.
“I’ve done many tennis events for the Taylor community, but I wanted to stretch beyond the norm and create something that was for both kids and adults,” he added. “I also wanted female athletes to see female coaches in their element. I think we should all to try to help propel and highlight the role and accomplishments women have in tennis and all sports.”
The lesson was led by tennis Coach Stephanie Rodriguez, who works for the Round Rock Independent School District and frequently volunteers for TATA.
“Marcus just does a great job of promoting tennis with our youth,” Rodriguez said. “Volunteering is a good way to give back, and you get to see these kids who have never experienced tennis come out and enjoy it. They also received a free tennis racket. Hopefully they will continue because it is a lifelong sport. You can play until you are 90. Starting early is something we want to see more of.”
Rodriguez, who played tennis in high school and college and returned to the sport in 2015, said the relationships that come with the game are priceless.
“The group of women that have surrounded me and just have supported me and each other is amazing,” she said. “Yes, there is competition on the court, but the camaraderie with the tennis community has been wonderful.”
In addition to the free rackets, Big Pink Out participants also received T-shirts and food, while learning teamwork, perseverance and problemsolving as they bonded with family members, organizers said.
Reese said TATA will soon provide a free follow-up lesson to the participants at the end of the school year.
“We actually had enough money left over so that we will be able to do a ‘Part 2’ and invite everyone who came back to the courts again,” Reese said. “This will enable them to use the skills they learned and kick it up a notch.”
Reese said it is fulfilling to see young people of all backgrounds get a chance to learn tennis. “It was really special to see kids who had never played learn alongside their mothers who had also never played,” Reese said. “To know we started them on their tennis journey at the same time, and it’s something they’ll continue to do together, is very inspiring for me.”
