CTTA History
CTTA-Central Texas Tennis Association has been around for a little over 6 years. I started working with tennis when my youngest son, Tommie, began playing at the age of 7. I had to entertain him with something while my 2 oldest children were involved in several other activities. Tennis seemed to fit. He went to St. Steven's for 2.5 years, graduated from Bowie H.S. and went to college on a tennis scholarship from Southern University, a Division 1 school, and did very well. As he continued playing and moving up the ranks for Texas top players, I learned more about the sport, and even picked it up as a hobby. Now, my entire family plays. In fact, Tommie has now joined me in providing lessons to the children and adults in our program.
We started out with only a hand full of kids and after some years, have grown to over 250. CTTA is a not for profit organization and has no paid staff. We don't have a "real" tennis site to call our home, but make use of city parks, schools, and recreation centers. Some of our lessons are held at Bowie, LBJ, Connally, Dottie Jordan Rec. Center, Rosewood Rec. Center, Alamo Rec. Center, Patterson Park and Dessau Mobile Community. Our programs are year round, including an after school program during the school year. During the summer, we run an NJTL program, which usually has anywhere from 175 to 300 kids. This year, we plan on introducing Team Tennis to participants who have been in the program for over a year and have developed tournament skills. I've partnered with other programs across Texas and plan for our first event within the next few months.
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I started this organization with a $500 grant that I received from USTA. Our other means of funding comes from our annual tennis tournament called Summer Jam. It has brought over 300 players from all across Texas in the 6.5 years it's been held. It continues to be a great tournament for our organization. Other than that, we are able to get small sponsorships from local businesses and receive donations of all kinds throughout the year. CTTA receives used balls, rackets, clothing, and shoes and socks from individuals and local businesses. We also get donations of water, Gatorade, and snacks from parents. I run this program in conjunction with another not for profit organization called Project Helping Hand. Through this program we provide tutoring, mentoring, counseling, clothing, food, housing and utilities assistance. Many of my kids come through both programs.
During the summer we usually receive summer help from the Parks and Recreation Department, but due to cutbacks, that will not be provided this year. CTTA is always seeking volunteers to assist with teaching lessons, mentoring, tutoring, and other areas of the program, especially during the summer where our attendance is greater.
I've been featured in the nationally known Southern Living Magazine, 2 years ago, a two page article in The American Statesman, and have won well over 5 awards for my work with this program. It has been a blessing to say the least.
We hope you take an interest and come out and join us this year.
--Sarah Pernell |
