Play Tennis! is the after school excellence in character and tennis program provided free of charge by Hawaiian Isles Tennis (HIT) to the keiki of underserved communities in Hawaii. HIT launched the program in 2009 and in its first year, provided 23 free clinics on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Lanai, and on the Big Island in Hilo and Kona. Volunteers, community tennis leaders, coaches, juniors and new players to the sport gathered for the large group experiences. Those involved have a great sense of fun and renewed community to have active, joyful, meaningful group experiences with players throughout the islands.

This summer, Jeanne Guanzon, USPTA P-3 pro and Sharon Heintzman a league competitor, experienced school teacher and HIT Instructor conducted the Play Tennis! program for one special day on Maui and here's a bit of their story plus a brief look back in photos at Play Tennis! on Maui:

2012

HIT is the 2nd generation of  its progenitor, Upcountry Tennis.

Here's a synopsis from HIT Coach, Sharon Heintzman who along with HIT Pro, Jeanne Guanzon, led the 2012 summer Play Tennis! program on a warm summer day in July in Makawao. She writes:

Their ages ranged from eight to around fifteen. Out of the twenty or so that showed up a few had tennis shoes and all were beginners.

Jeanne's wonderful variety of quick moving drills that was fun for the kids...She has such a lively personality that the kids instantly adhered to her.

We exposed them to, court etiquette, fair play, good sportsmanship, working together as a team, forehand, backhand, and volleys. At the end of the clinic the each got the chance to be queen or king of the court by maintaining a rally. Some of them did pretty well; building self-esteem.

Jeanne is awesome. I would do it again with her in a heartbeat. It was a very successful afternoon.

Leilani you had the vision…we just carried it out. Good job everyone!

Just love kids,

Sharon Heintzman

2011

2010

2009