Harlem tennis program helps students succeed on the court and in the classroom

When it comes to sports, there is nothing like playing tennis for 16-year-old Lena Waterman.

"Tennis is like one of my favorite hobbies. Like every day after school, I'm playing on the weekends. I'd rather play tennis than go shopping sometimes," said Lena.

She and her twin sister Lana have been playing since they were 5 through the Harlem Junior Tennis Education Program.

Since 1972, the nonprofit has made tennis more accessible to children in Harlem.

Coaches and staff teach the game to mostly young people of color and kids of all ages and all skill levels.

"Throughout the years, they really inspired me to get better. Being with them honestly for my whole life they really taught me a lot," Lana said.

Days before the U.S. Open started, HJTEP teamed up with the Women's Tennis Association for a tennis clinic featuring some pro players.

"It’s really nice to be able to help young players, young kids to have a good time. To learn a little bit about tennis and see if they like it and have a good time and help the community also,” said tennis player Caroline Garcia.

The lessons learned on the court at HJTEP are also lessons that go beyond tennis.

"To be disciplined, build their self-confidence, build self-esteem all the things you need in life, skills to succeed in life,” said HJTEP president and executive director Katrina Adams.

She said the academic success of the kids in the program proves there is a connection between the court and the classroom.

"Ninety-five percent of high school graduation rates since 1972 um what more can you say about that, about that right? About 25% of those kids over the years have gotten a scholarship in tennis," Adams said.

Both Waterman sisters hope to play tennis professionally one day.

"I want to do nursing as well, hopefully trying to balance those two. I want to continue playing tennis,” Lana said.

Lena plans to incorporate into her life another value lesson she learned here: giving back.

"Whenever I'm a professional, I can come back here and give to them and show the community to teach them."

Read More: https://ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/sports/2024/09/03/harlem-tennis-program-helps-students-succeed-on-the-court-and-in-the-classroom