Isabella Baker, a participant in the USTA QuickStart Tennis pilot program at Wittenberg, helps her mother, Karen, put nets up at the Georgiana S. Albright Tennis Complex.

Springfield, Ohio — Steve Wilson, Wittenberg class of 2006, may not have former touring professional tennis players coming to Springfield for the launch of the local QuickStart Tennis program, but that may be for the best. After all, Wilson might not have enough room for them with nearly 260 children ages 6-10 signed up to participate in the program at Wittenberg's David and Georgianna Albright Tennis Complex starting Tuesday, June 10.

With the help of his former college coach, Dave Engle, and others with the National Trail Parks and Recreation District (NTPRD) and the Ohio Valley Tennis Association (OVTA), Wilson has organized what may be the most surprising success story in the brief history of Quickstart, which was launched nationwide by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in February. The response has been so overwhelming that the program, which runs for eight weeks, will now be run in two one-hour sessions each Tuesday.

Wilson, the head tennis professional at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Tennis Club, said the Springfield QuickStart Tennis program has become the largest pilot program ever for the fledgling program, exceeding the previous high by approximately 30 percent. The USTA hopes to have QuickStart Tennis programs in more than 1,000 facilities across the country.

"This is so exciting," said Wilson, a Springfield native who earned three varsity letters as a member of Wittenberg's men's tennis team between 2003 and 2006. "I did a trial program earlier this month, and it was amazing how quickly the kids picked the game up.

"This program breaks the game down to the kids' size. This is really the next step for tennis."

QuickStart Tennis, which was demonstrated by former professional tour players Martina Navratilova and Mary Jo Fernandez at the February launch event, is an innovative new play format that helps to get more children 10 years of age and under into the game. The format is what makes it so significant, utilizing equipment, including either a foam ball or a low compression ball that bounces lower and travels less distance, smaller court dimensions and lower nets tailored to the size and ability level of young children.

Participants receive a junior tennis racquet, a foam ball, a T-shirt, a USTA membership and eight one-hour group sessions for just $50. Small wonder that so many families in and around Clark County decided to give the Quickstart Tennis program a try.

"The game of tennis can build character in young people," Wilson said. "Tennis is something that has meant a great deal to me throughout my life."

The USTA, the national governing body for the sports of tennis in the U.S., has organized and implemented training sessions, both for coaches and volunteers, including parents. In addition, the USTA has begun incorporating the play format into its coed recreational tennis league, USTA Jr. Team Tennis, and its tournament offerings. It will continue to be implemented into programming with the goal of reaching all aspects of 10 and under youth tennis, including tournament, lesson based, recreational and team play.

Related Links: QuickStart Tennis Home Page Wittenberg Men's Tennis Home Page Wittenberg Women's Tennis Home Page