When one thinks about sports their family and friends could participate in, a litany of ideas come to mind. However, individuals overlook many sports due to the lack of exposure to them, either in the media or in real life. One of these underrated sports is tennis.

Above the Net is a program that aims to expand youth participation in the sport and further popularize it among local communities. Brenda Gant, one of the founders of Above the Net, explains that although many other sports are promoted to children, there has been a lack of attention towards tennis. Gant states there is an exceptional amount of college scholarship funding available for tennis players, and one of the main goals of Above the Net is to expand local youth participation in the sport. Playing tennis, according to Gant, can also provide good practice for children to learn healthy lifestyle habits.

Above the Net has achieved many goals since its founding; Gant is proud of everything the program has accomplished thus far. In 2023, Above the Net was named Member Association of the Year by the Georgia branch of the United States Tennis Association. Recently, Above the Net started conducting “pop-up tennis” events in partnership with venues such as Tanger Outlets in Locust Grove. Above the Net received an innovation grant to run this event; the goal of “pop-up tennis” is to provide families with quick and easy access to tennis practice. By setting up tennis courts in areas where parents bring their children, Above the Net can encourage kids to try the sport.

Gant explains that Above the Net is also partnered with the Shaquille O’Neal Boys and Girls Club, which allows the organization to offer free tennis practice to the children in that program. If parents are interested in signing their children up for this program but have any concerns about transportation, Above the Net can work with family members to provide ways for children to attend practices.

Brenda Gant and the other founders, Caniece Hollywood and Monica Johnson, have worked diligently to ensure tennis reaches as many children in this community as possible. Above the Net will continue to work hard to promote tennis and provide access to this fantastic sport to as many individuals as possible.

Visit abovethenettennis.org for more information on how to get your child involved.

By Savannah Schofield