WS Chronicle

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SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE 

A series of free adult beginner tennis lessons, “Beginners’ Bash,” is being offered by Winston-Salem Tennis Inc. (WSTI) as part of its efforts to widen the base of people enjoying the game in the city and surrounding area.

The free program allows any individual over the age of 18 to participate in the free tennis instruction.  Participants completing at least one session also are qualified to have their first round of local recreational league play covered by WSTI. “Winston-Salem Tennis is so very excited to offer this program in partnership with NC Tennis.  It means a lot to us to be able to introduce people in our community to tennis and to provide professional instruction at no cost,” says Robin Ervin, president of WSTI.  “We are thankful to everyone at NC Tennis for giving us this opportunity for our community.” The next session of the Beginners Bash begins Saturday, Sept. 10. Sessions are held every Saturday for six weeks from 9:30-11 a.m.  Register at tennisliss@triad.rr.com.

Ervin says there are no specific requirements or qualifications to participate in the program which is being held at Hanes Park tennis center and taught by local teaching pro John Worsley. Worsley took up the sport of tennis at a young age, but began to take it seriously during his second year at Winston-Salem State University.  He says he became engrossed in the sport after meeting long-time Wake Forest tennis coach Jim Leighten.  He credits the legendary David Lash for his love of community tennis. “I didn’t play my first year because I wanted to be a regular student. But like all young people that play sports, I wanted to be a pro athlete,” he says, letting out a quick chuckle. “I had Joe Willie Namath on my wall and I thought I could be Arthur Ashe but was really no where close. But I just loved tennis.”

“The only requirement is that you want to give tennis a try.  If you need a racket, we have one for you.  If you are a little nervous about coming alone, bring a friend,” said Ervin. “We just want to remove all the barriers anyone interested may have to participating in a sport that you can play at any level for a lifetime.” Brenda Livingston, a member of the first group of participants, confesses to being a bit skeptical at first, but says any reservations she had quickly evaporated as soon as the program started. “I was a little nervous at first because I had no real previous experience and I didn’t know if I would be the only one like that,” she says.  “But as soon as I got there I found that everyone was just like me and wanting to learn tennis and the people involved in the program were so willing to teach me and help me.  It has been an awesome experience.  I have gained skills and it has helped me keep physically active and I have improved my tennis. I am seriously looking forward to the next sessions.” “We are so excited about the opportunities to partner in community tennis. John just gets it. He understands what it means to be able to introduce people to tennis,” says Ervin.

“He has been so active with Winston-Salem Tennis’ Young Folks Tennis for decades. We appreciate and congratulate him on what he is doing and we certainly look forward to having him as a partner.” Robin Barksdale Ervin contributed to this report.