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Tennis complex hosts lessons, reading for school
Chris Beattie/Staff Photo - General manager Matt Hanlin, front right, and instructor David Scott teach Holy Family School students how to volley Wednesday afternoon at The Courts in McKinney. The kids, ages 4 to 5, received the brief lesson and took part in a reading session as part of the complex's new 'Hitting the Books' program.
By Chris Beattie, cbeattie@starlocalnews.com
Tennis is sometimes seen as an exclusive sport, reserved for a life of country clubs and luxury.
Matt Hanlin, general manager of McKinney's new tennis complex The Courts, hopes to change that perception.
On Wednesday, he hosted the first "Hitting the Books," a tennis-and-reading combination for students from the mostly lower-income Holy Family School.
Several of Holy Family's oldest students -- ages 4 and 5 -- traveled across town to The Courts in the school's van. Donning school shirts and ear-to-ear grins, they took to the tennis court that, for many, may have been an unfamiliar sight.
Holy Family School, a private early childhood school on McKinney's east side, opened in 1950 to provide care in a Christian setting for Hispanic migrant workers' children. In light of the mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, the school taught English and offered medical care, nutritious food and other resources not as accessible to kids in that part of town, said Dawn Teders, HFS interim director.
The nonprofit school evolved over the years and this year services more than 60 students from all over the city. Its funds come from community donations and fundraisers, including the annual Believe Run, which for the past few years has designated all proceeds for HFS scholarships.
A city grant and an Encore Wire corporate donation together gave $10,000 to HFS this year, enabling the school to continue providing education for low-income and homeless children.
Tennis, reading and pizza -- all included in "Hitting the Books" -- this week became part of that provision.
"It's an opportunity for these kids to be exposed to something they typically would not have the ability to do," Teders said. "And obviously, they're having a blast."
Teders met Hanlin at a recent McKinney Chamber of Commerce breakfast, when both brainstormed the partnership that they may continue monthly, if not weekly. Teders said she plans to start a set program with Hanlin so this fall's kindergarten class receives a regular tennis lesson.
They'd be learning from a pro. Hanlin began his life in tennis as a junior player at the prestigious Bollettieri Tennis Academy, then achieved All America status at the University of Washington, where he attended on a full tennis scholarship.
He spent four years on professional tennis' ATP World Tour and became a top 500 ATP singles player. Hanlin was already coaching and managing programs with Lifetime Tennis, the company that manages The Courts, when it won the bid for the McKinney complex. He moved from California to Dallas to run the facility, and immediately looked for ways to reach out.
"Growing up, I was given a lot of opportunity with tennis. Every level of my playing, I was given free opportunities," he said. "It's just kind of a way for me to start to give back."
Hanlin, who spends about 25 hours a week instructing on the courts, likely coached his youngest amateurs yet. He and fellow instructor David Scott taught the HFS students agility drills and at-the-net volleys, even dividing them into self-named teams, the Superstars and Best Friends.
After their basic lesson, the students relaxed with books and pizza. In a couple hours, they learned about health, fitness and the importance of education.
Hanlin hopes to expand the program in scope and reach, his first idea being a benefit during which books are spread out on the court like targets, and if students hit them tennis-style, they get to keep them.
Club membership and post-match cocktails aren't necessities at The Courts. For its latest learners, all they needed was an interest in books and backhand returns.
"It's definitely something I want to grow," Hanlin said. "This is just a start."
The Courts are located at 3253 Alma Drive in McKinney. For more information about its programs, visit www.mckinneytennis.org.
For more information about Holy Family School, go to www.hfsmckinney.org.
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