Head Coach Jane Gens and Bernadette Gens.
The Fredonia State women's tennis team recently participated in a tennis clinic held at the Chautauqua Tennis Club in Dunkirk, NY.
The Chautauqua Tennis Club donated court time for the event and Monte's Small Engine made a donation to the Chautauqua Tennis Club as part of an initiative to help inspire the next generation of tennis players and grow the game within the region.
Blue Devil tennis players for their part helped several local area high school tennis players from all over Chautauqua County in preparation for the upcoming spring season. "It feels great to give back to this amazing community and to help high school players prepare for their season" noted Blue Devils tennis player Bernadette Gens. "I'm glad that I was able to be a part of that in a fun and positive way."
TK Parker, a junior who also participated in the clinic stated " All the players had such great energy, they loved the activities and drills that we did and seeing them laugh and enjoy themselves gave me such shine in my heart."
When asked about the clinic's success, Head Coach Jane Gens said that she received a "very positive response" from the participants and parents. Gens, an avid supporter of Chautauqua County tennis, would also add that "strengthening youth tennis is something that we can all be a part of in this region and whether that is donating time, balls or teaching lessons, these gestures go a long way in growing the game."
Looking ahead, Gens and Fredonia State women's tennis hope to be able to host similar events in the future as well. "This was the team's first time creating and participating in such an event and the team is looking forward to doing it again next year with an even larger turn out."
Gens hopes to continue to strengthen the relationship between the Fredonia State women's tennis program and the local community and allow kids a glimpse into what their futures in the sport could be. Gens believes tennis was very transformative in the lives of her players growing up and the team hopes that it will be the same in the lives of the kids that they interact with.
