CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — For many, the new year means new year's resolutions. As we adults know - when it comes to picking up *healthier habits: the sooner the better!
Through local non-profit, Tennis Success, students in our area are able to do just that at a younger age.
Organizers will tell you, it's bigger than any game or practicing perfect form. The students are able to prioritize not only their physical health, but their mental health as well, all while giving them a better shot at success.
That's been the mission for them 20 years now. The program works with students 3rd- 12th graders who qualify for free or reduced lunch through federal guidelines.
Tennis Success partners with Corpus Christi ISD to provide the extra-curricular program at select elementary and middle schools, along with tutors who actively collaborate with their teachers. The program is open and free to 30 students at each of the select campuses.
For Executive Director, Cher-ri Peña, what you see on the court is just part of the mission. It's the personal growth in the students she says is the most rewarding.
"We are here because tennis is so expensive and we wanna give them [students] an outlet that maybe they don't see otherwise," said Peña.
"We work with kids who not only can't afford tennis, but a lot of them as well come from a hard life. Some parents aren't taking care of them, some of them are staying with their aunts, uncles and grandparents and so they come with this extra baggage that some of us can probably relate to. To guide them not only on the court but everyday life - you see the change. You see the anger go away."
You may remember however, back in school: you have to pass to pay.
So, at Tennis Success, school work still comes first. There is an emphasis on making sure the students are focused on what they need to get done in the classroom before hitting the court. They do this through homework-help, tutoring, working on STEM projects, scholarship assistance with support from staff and volunteers on-site.
"They are for the everyday child who wants to be able to get out of the house and want a safe place where they can talk to people as well as get their frustrations out," Peña explained. "Or, just want a different type of outlet that they can receive on the court, but as well as in the classroom."
Patrick Fenner is a senior at Moody High School, and is one of the several students enrolled in Tennis Success.
"It just gives me something to look forward to during the day and just gives you a nice way to end your day with. It's really helped me find my more competitive side, it's brought out more competitiveness and given me something to strive for."
For Fenner, it's taught him how to be physically strong, as well as strong-minded; not just as an individual, but also in a team-setting.
"Really, it's just taught me to have perseverance and to just be very resilient in what you do, like through the game and obviously through the program, it just helps bring out resilience and perseverance in people."
Among one of the coaches working with students is Ken de Koning. He may work with the more advanced players, but even then, he knows greatness derives from knowing your fundamentals.
"If you have a glass of water, I can only ask for what's in the glass, I cannot ask for more. I need all that you have today, but you cannot give me more. You can give me that and we're good to go, then they are more relaxed and have a more healthy enjoyment for competition, which is huge."
As a coach and lover of the game, de Koning says he has seen far too often an immense pressure placed on the outcome of winning, and not enough emphasis on an athlete's mental health and well-being, which can have negative long-term impacts.
"It's hugely important! But, it is often misunderstood, because in the world's system it's all about winning and if it is all about winning, then it doesn't promote mental health," de Koning explained.
"You're asking people to do -- even from a young age -- things that they have no control over. You have no control over winning. You have control over doing your best."
Organizers say nurturing the mental health of these students can help set them up for success to tackle challenges in the classroom, court and beyond. There are even a handful of students who've gone on to play the sport at the collegiate level, taking with them the life lessons picked up through the non-profit.
For Peña, it's a special privilege to be a part of and see.
"You're able to mentor kids and see the growth in them - not just numbers you see on the court, but that physical growth and the mental and emotional growth you see in them is absolutely amazing."
To learn if your child qualifies for Tennis Success, click here to be taken directly to the group's registration tab.
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