Liberty High School’s tennis courts are the place to be on Friday mornings for upcoming fifth through ninth grade future Hurricanes who wish to learn and play the lifelong sport of tennis.

“The whole goal is to have fun and get kids playing tennis, and I think they did that,” said Liberty tennis head coach Chris Conrad after the clinic’s first session on June 17. “I’m really keen on providing opportunities to kids. Tennis is a sport that was increasing during COVID, and it’s not as popular now, now that other sports are back. This is an opportunity, since we don’t have anything at the middle school, for them to begin playing, so then when they come to high school, they have some background.”

More than 35 middle schoolers participated last Friday, coached by Conrad, Liberty assistant coach Dawn Ketterman-Benner, and local USTA representative Angela Jones. Eight current Liberty tennis players also assisted.

“We worked a lot on basics, form and technique, so that way they have some sort of base, and then did some games at the end,” Conrad said.

A $5 donation for each session, which benefits Liberty’s tennis programs, is appreciated but not required. Coach Conrad believes that tennis should be available to and equitable for all students. In fact, racquets are provided for those who need them.

Future clinic dates are July 8, 15, 22, and 29, and Aug. 12.

To register for one or more sessions, email Coach Conrad at cconrad@basdschools.org. Registration can also be done on Twitter at @mrconrad_lhs and on Instagram at libertyhstennis.