WS Chronicle

Photo by Timothy Ramsey

BY TIMOTHY RAMSEY 

THE CHRONICLE

The Kimberly Park Tennis Club carries on the legacy that the Archie family built decades ago in Winston-Salem. To continue that legacy, the club held a clinic and membership drive Sunday, July 31, at Hanes Park.

The KPTC was founded in 1968 by the Archie family with the objective of increasing interest in tennis throughout the community.  In the early 1970s, as interest in tennis grew, KPTC along with clubs from Charlotte, Raleigh, Gastonia and Richmond, Va. formed the Southeastern Racket Association.  The early mission of the club was to increase awareness of the game to African-Americans, but as the years went by the club opened its arms to any and all players.

“We have been involved with a number of things in the community to support junior and adult tennis in the Triad area,” said Wanda Thomas, KPTC President.  “I live in Charlotte but I drive up to keep the organization going because we are like a family.”

The KPTC Juniors program is free for all youth ages five to 18.  The program is held year round and focuses on the concepts of the game of tennis as well as just having fun.  The program has been successful over the years.  Several Juniors have received scholarships to local universities such as N.C. State, N.C. A&T State, N.C. Central, University of N.C., and Winston-Salem State to name a few.

The adult members travel to complete against other clubs in N.C., S.C. and Ga.  During the clinic, a few of the youth members came out to receive instruction from the teachers.  The adults competed in free play tennis to sharpen their skills.

According to club Vice-President Michael V. McCoy, the club was able to develop such great young talent because of the instruction of Charles Kennedy, Nathan Burton and John Worsley. He said they were the main contributors as far as teaching the youth. McCoy was also a standout tennis player for the WSSU Rams while in college.

“Along with the kids who have earned scholarships, we have had several members of the club who have gone on to become tennis teachers,” said McCoy.

The club has members of all skill levels and welcomes those who are just interested in the game of tennis as well as individuals looking to improve their game. Michele Jones, who has been a member for seven years said, “I love the activity and love the camaraderie of everyone that’s playing; it’s truly like a family.”

Thomas is in her second year as president of the club. She stated the main focus of the day is to make people aware of the organization and to bring in new individuals who can help support the efforts they already have in place.

The club meets on Sundays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information about joining the Kimberly Park Tennis Club, please call 336-995-9799 or email at info@tenniskp.com.