Delta Youth Take the Court at MVSU Tennis Meetup
The courts at Mississippi Valley State University were buzzing with energy on Friday, July 17, as young athletes from Boys & Girls Clubs across the Mississippi Delta gathered for a tennis meetup like no other.
This event marked the culmination of several weeks of tennis instruction at Club sites across the Delta. Coaches visited Clarksdale, Cleveland, Grenada, and Greenwood each week, bringing the game of tennis directly to kids who had never before picked up a racket. Through the USTA Southern Rural Grant Initiative, children received expert coaching, new equipment, and the opportunity to discover a sport that could change their lives.
From the first serve to the final high-five, the day was filled with laughter, determination, and the thrill of putting their new skills to the test.
"USTA and Boys & Girls Club here in the Delta have gotten together. USTA Southern basically initiated what's called a USTA Rural Grant Initiative. They have started programming for kids in the Boys & Girls Club around the Delta—kids that maybe haven't gotten the opportunity to play tennis. Now they're playing tennis at all the different locations."
— Jay Pacelli, USTA Mississippi
A Partnership Built on Opportunity
This program was made possible through the USTA Southern Rural Grant Initiative—a program designed to bring tennis to underserved rural communities across the South. Through this initiative, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta received equipment, coach training, and the support needed to launch free tennis programming at multiple Club locations.
USTA Mississippi played a key role in making this happen, helping to train the dedicated staff who run tennis programs at Clubs across the Delta.
"USTA Mississippi has been a part of that, and we have helped train some of the great people that run these different centers. Everybody's come together to have a tournament day."
— Jay Pacelli, USTA Mississippi
Bringing Tennis to the Delta—No Courts Required
None of the participating Clubs have dedicated tennis courts, but that didn't stop the coaches or the kids. Each week, coaches would improvise by setting up temporary tennis nets on basketball courts or leading drills indoors. The kids learned the fundamentals of the game—grip, stance, swing, and footwork—in creative and engaging ways.
Thanks to the USTA grant, each participant received:
🎾 Team shirts to build team spirit and pride
🧢 USTA-branded visors for sun protection and style
👟 New tennis shoes for safety and performance
🏸 Rackets to call their own—so they can keep playing at home
The impact was clear on Friday. Kids who might never have picked up a racket were serving, rallying, and cheering each other on.
"I think the best part of this program is that it introduces tennis to kids who ordinarily would not be introduced to tennis. I think primarily basketball and football are the more popular sports, but giving them the exposure to tennis—I hope that they will continue to play. I'm definitely looking forward to continuing to teach them."
— Diane Johnson, Coach
More Than Just a Game
For the young players, the day was about far more than learning the rules of tennis. It was about building character, resilience, and confidence—skills that extend far beyond the court.
"In terms of the great sport, it builds not only character, it builds life skills—like determination, how to fight for every point, how to never give up, and to believe in yourself."
— Derrick Bean, Coach
That message resonated with the coaches and volunteers who guided the kids through drills and match play. Many of them, like the kids they were teaching, discovered tennis later in life and understand the power of early exposure.
"The deeper that I get into the USTA, the deeper I get into learning about how it's played and things like that, the more I wish I had started playing sooner. I think this program is an amazing opportunity to expose children to the game at a very young age and give them the ability to say, 'Hey, I played tennis when I was younger.' It's easier to get into once you've already shown that you know how to play or that someone has taken up time with you."
— Cameron Daniels
Serving Up Skills for Life
The USTA Rural Grant Initiative is designed to do more than just teach a sport. It introduces kids to a lifetime activity that can be played at any age, regardless of size or athletic background. Tennis teaches discipline, focus, and problem-solving—skills that translate directly to the classroom and beyond.
For kids in the Mississippi Delta, where opportunities can sometimes feel limited, tennis opens doors. College scholarships are available at all NCAA levels, and for a child who might never have imagined college as an option, a racket and a dream can change everything.
Watch the highlights from the MVSU Tennis Meetup—featuring action on the court, smiles all around, and the next generation of Delta tennis stars in the making.
Looking Ahead
This meetup marked the end of an incredible first chapter in the USTA tennis program—but it's only the beginning. With trained coaches, new equipment, and a growing group of young tennis players, the foundation is set for even more in the future.
We're already looking forward to the next season and the opportunity to reach even more kids across the Delta.
Get Involved
Want to help us keep the momentum going? The USTA tennis program is free for all Club members. If your child is interested in learning tennis—or if you'd like to support this initiative as a volunteer or donor—we'd love to hear from you.
