ST. PAUL – The tennis courts at the St. Paul Golf Course glistened under the bright sun on June 4, as people of all ages were engaged in different tennis activities, and their shoes scuffled against the court’s surface.
Some athletes worked on drills with instructors, while others played friendly matches. On one court, a pair of teenagers moved swiftly as they exchanged shots, and on another court a father was teaching and guiding his young daughter.
Amyra Koss mimicked her father, Brad, as she swung her racket through the air.
Brad, his wife Tylene, and children Amyra and Conner, joined other families and community members at the St. Paul Tennis Club’s Annual Rally to kick off the tennis season in St. Paul.
“We’ve always wanted to try it,” said Brad, adding the rally provided the perfect opportunity. “It’s pretty humid outside, but it’s been good,” he said, with a smile.
Simply bringing kids, families, and people of all ages and skill levels together to come out and play tennis was one of the annual rally’s goals, said Noah Shankowski, a tennis instructor with the club.
In addition, the rally was also aimed at building a community around the sport of tennis. Some of the “best parts” of the sport is not what’s happening on the court, but “it’s the camaraderie.”
Looking toward the people playing, he said, “I’m really happy to see... just everyone having fun, enjoying the sport, and getting active on this beautiful day that we thought we might get rained out on.”
Previews of the club’s programs were also provided during the day.
The club is working hard to encourage youth to get involved in tennis. St. Paul Tennis Club president Dave Shankowski said the club was hoping and planning to get back into providing free tennis lessons to elementary aged students, with some of those lessons already taking place June 6 and 7.
There will also be youth tennis camp programs starting, with dates set for July 10 to 14, and July 24 to 28. Those interested in signing up for the camps, or anyone with general inquiries about the club and its activities, can contact Noah at 587-252-3343.
