Did you know that tennis is the fastest growing sport in the country? In the past seven years, tennis has been growing at a rate of 30%. In 2006 - 07, it increased over 24%! The participation is tracked by the TIA (Tennis Industry Association), by tennis ball and racket sales. We have seen this growth out on our courts. In 2007, our tennis ball sales increased by 52% and our racket sales were up 27%. We tracked the court usage for the month of March this year. Would you believe with all of our team matches, practices and social play we had over 1200 adult players! This does not include the juniors but does include players that played more than once a week.

The USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) has done studies that have proved that tennis is one of the healthiest sports and activities for people of all ages. Tennis players scored higher in vigor, optimism, and self esteem while scoring lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other athletes and non-athletes. So why do I point all of this out? Because if you or your child are not currently involved, it’s time to get in the game!

We are offering free lessons!! We have our ongoing “Play Tennis FYC” adult beginners class. The first clinic is free just to try it out. If you love it, you can sign up for the first week series that will prepare you for match play. I also offer a free 30 minute private lesson for all members that are not currently involved in the tennis program. So please help spread the good word and let’s continue to grow and remain the top program in North Florida! To help manage the growth of the ladies program we have formed an association called the LTA (Ladies Tennis Association). We have a board consisting of four ladies from various teams and myself. The Chairwoman is Chris Hieb. The mission is to govern ladies team tennis at FYC as well as to help recruit and promote league play and FYC tennis events. I would like to thank our board members: Chris Hieb, Katie Adams, Joan Shewbrooks, and Sarah Trent for all of their work and support. If you would like to learn more about the LTA, please do not hesitate to call me.

I hope all of you had a chance to enjoy our upgraded lights on courts 8-10. We have added 6 additional bulbs and completely revised the electrical system.

See you on the courts!

Louis Ballantyne
Director of Tennis

Junior Tennis

I just wanted to thank everyone for making our Junior Banquet a huge success! Our program would not be anything without the support of all the parents involved. Here are the results from the Junior Banquet.

Junior Training:

Most Improved: McKenzie Barco & John Kirby
Zone Team Award: Chucky Haddad & Kelly Diaz
Most Dedicated: Peter Simmons & Claire Maxwell
Parent of the Year: The Boers Family

Grand Prix:

Most Improved: Catherine Lee, Teresa Vonderhaar, & Patrick Brodeur
Zone Team Award: Amanda Thompson, Kylie Geddes, & Nathan Reeder
Most Dedicated: Austin Barley & Emma Hilpert
Parent of the Year: Candy Gilberstadt

Casey Kelley
Head Tennis Pro

My name is Frank Vermeer and I started working at the Club as a tennis coach on the 16th of October.

I was born and raised in the Netherlands living in the southern part of the country close to Rotterdam.

It has always been a dream for me and my family to come to Florida and live here in the United States of America. I am familiar with Jacksonville because I used to study at UNF in 1985-1988 before returning to the Netherlands to join the army. I have also visited the Florida Yacht Club with students of my High Performance Academy in 1998 and 1999.

I have played Junior Tennis all over Europe, College Tennis for UNF where I was ranked # 1 in the nation in 1987 NAIA and have played professionally until starting my own High Performance Academy in 1992. I am also still active as a senior player coming in third at the latest World Championships in Manavgat, Turkey.

As a Coach I have been working with players of different levels for over 18 years. Helping youngsters to get their first lessons up until coaching Petra Kamstra, a fourth round Wimbledon and WTA 70 ranked player.

I hope to develop myself as a coach here at the Club working with skilled and motivated people in a beautiful environment believing I can help and teach players of all levels and add to developing and further improving the tennis program at the Club. I am looking forward meeting you and am thrilled to get started.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude towards the members of the Club and especially to John and Louis for putting in a lot of effort to help me get my visa.

Sincerely yours,

Frank Robbert Vermeer
Assistant Tennis Pro

Congratulations to the 2007 Steeg Member-Guest Champions!

Men’s Open: Chris Snoap & David Paul

Congratulations to the 2007 Steeg Member-Guest Champions!

Men’s Open: Chris Snoap & David Paul
Ladies A: Sandy Livingston & Helen Ciesla
Men’s A: Omar Dajani & Jim Hodges
Ladies B: Ibby Green & Jan Million
Men’s B: Scott Brackett & David Hilley
Ladies C: Susan Tuohy & Susan Norville
Men’s C1: Michael Maddox & Bill Speckman
Men’s C2: Mike Scurti & Anthony Rondeau
Ladies D: Tedi Hamilton & Claire Franson

The Senior Team that qualified for the Regionals in Daytona

In the pic is form L-R back row Pat Rogers, Nina Sasser, Hanan Salem, Cathy Grooms, Candy Clark, vPeg Greene, Mannie Kinner, Debra Knaur, In front is Crandy Wheeler and the captain Kathy Cold. Not in pic is Janie Boyd and Adrienne Kent

Interview with Bill Adams, Player of the Month

What's your favorite thing about FYC tennis?
The good friends I've made while playing tennis.
What's your favorite tennis moment?
Battle of the Sexes in 1973 Bobby Riggs vs. Billie Jean King
What's in your tennis bag?
Multiple terry cloth head bands. They have taken my game to the next level.

Shop Talk

Visit our tennis FYC pro shop and start crossing those names off your list!

We have assorted logoed gifts and apparel that would be perfect for that someone on your list who has everything!

A new tennis racket and of course our gift cards (available in any amount) make a perfect gift for the tennis enthusiast in your family!

And remember....Free gift wrapping is available!

The following courts are blocked off for tennis play and clinics

1. You may reserve courts 48 hours in advance.

2. You may request a court, but may not necessarily get the court you requested. The tennis staff will do their best to honor your request, but may need to assign a different court according to maintenance, teaching schedules, team matches, and events.

3. Court reservations are for 1 1/2 hours. You may play longer if the court is not booked after you. The staff will do their best to make sure the courts are not booked on top of each other.

4. You must sign in at the pro shop before going on court. If you have a court reserved during a time when the pro shop is closed, the staff will let you know your court assignment and you can go straight to that court.

5. All guests must be signed in before they go on court!