Tennis Comes to the Delta: Coach Training Kicks Off USTA Grant Program

Apr 2

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta is proud to announce a new tennis initiative made possible by a USTA Innovation Grant. CEO David Dallas recently shared photos from a high-energy training session where Jay Pacelli of USTA Mississippi prepared our local coaches to lead the program.

Starting April 24 and running through July, tennis activities will be held at select Clubs. This is a fantastic chance for kids to learn teamwork, discipline, and a new sport—all in a safe, supportive environment.

Your child’s future coach could be:

Diane Johnson (Clarksdale)
Cameron Daniels (Greenwood)
Jeremy Weldon (Grenada)
Derrick Bean (Cleveland)

Don’t wait—spaces are limited. Stop by your local Club today to enroll your child as a member and reserve their spot on the court.

Why Tennis? A Smart Choice for Youth

For many families in the Mississippi Delta, tennis might not be the first sport that comes to mind. But research and real‑world results show that tennis offers unique benefits for children facing economic or social challenges.

1. A lifetime sport with low barriers to entry
Unlike football or basketball, tennis does not require height, size, or extreme physical contact. Kids of any body type can succeed. Once learned, tennis can be played for life—in high school, college, or as an adult—giving children a healthy outlet for decades.

2. Teaches self‑discipline and focus
Tennis is often called “a chess match at high speed.” Players must think ahead, control their emotions, and problem‑solve on every point. For children who may experience chaos at home or in their neighborhood, tennis provides a structured environment where focus is rewarded and impulse control is practiced.

3. Builds confidence and resilience
In tennis, you lose points, games, and matches—and you have to keep playing. That builds grit. Studies show that tennis players, especially those from underserved backgrounds, develop higher self‑esteem and learn to handle failure in a healthy way. Every practice is a chance to say, “I can improve.”

4. Low injury rate means more time playing
Compared to contact sports, tennis has a very low injury rate. For families without easy access to regular medical care, this matters. Fewer injuries mean fewer missed school days, fewer doctor visits, and more consistent participation.

5. Individual responsibility within a team setting
At the Boys & Girls Club, our tennis program is a team activity—players cheer for each other, practice together, and represent their Club. But on the court, each child learns to take personal responsibility for their own performance. That balance of “me” and “we” is powerful for at‑risk youth who may struggle with either extreme.

6. Opens doors to scholarships and opportunity
College tennis scholarships are available at all NCAA levels. For a child who might never have imagined college as an option, a racket and a dream can change everything. The USTA Innovation Grant is designed specifically to create pathways like this for Delta kids.