Your Northern California Tennis Center

Tune into USTA NorCal Speaks to Our Communities Blog Talk Radio on March 9th at 10:00 am:A Sit Down Chat with Nirupama Sanjeev - former East Indian champion tennis player.

As the US Tennis Association (USTA) looks towards 2011 with a new initiative designed to engage more kids as early as the age of ten or younger in tennis activities specifically designed for them, this will be a chance for you to listen live as USTA Northern California staff members Lita Anderson, Manager of Community Outreach and Silvia Duenas Bielser, Program Rep. for Diversity and Latino Outreach as they have an enlightening discussion with special guest Mr. Dante Westbrook, Tennis Program Director for the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center Tennis Program. Since 1981 the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center has been serving the Western Addition Community of San Francisco. It is nothing short of a community anchor, providing job training and placement for over 500 families, housing 200+ people during its tenure as an after-hour homeless shelter facility between 2002 - 2008, the host of numerous community conferences and events. The myriad of services, referrals and support to the residents of the Western Addition Community seems endless. One of the highlights of the center is its thriving after school program which includes a tennis program designed to empower youth through athleticism, cultural enrichment, parental involvement and leadership development. Mr. Westbrook will be on to discuss the impact the tennis program is actually having on kids in the community and he will also discuss ways others can do the same. Tune in to listen, call in to join the conversation or just be inspired!

As the US Tennis Association (USTA) looks towards 2011 with a new initiative designed to engage more kids as early as the age of ten or younger in tennis activities specifically designed for young people, this will be a chance for you to tune in and listen to members of USTA Northern California staff Lita Anderson, Manager of Community Outreach and Silvia Duenas Bielser, Program Rep. for Diversity and Inclusion (and both are Moms) as they have a lively discussion with special guest, Ms. Yolanda Jackson, Senior Director for Athlete Marketing & Promotions for the Women's Sports Foundation, New York City. Founded in 1974 by tennis legend Billie Jean King, the Women’s Sports Foundation is a national charitable educational organization dedicated to advancing the lives of girls and women through physical activity. They are the only national organization promoting all sports and physical activities for women of all ages and skill levels and are acknowledged by the media as the expert resource on all women’s sports issues. Discussion topics of this Blog Talk Radio Show will include the impact Title IX has had on females in sports, the importance of parents understanding how the benefits of sports and physical activity participation for both their daughters and sons can equally encourage them to be active and healthy, and how tennis can even play a role in this. They will also touch on key points which could guide your tennis playing child towards the path of potentially making the sport a career choice and/or playing it for a lifetime.

USTA player development talk radio.

Gustavo Granitto, Founder and CEO of GTC Tennis Consultancy, a company focused in total tennis development, will be interviewed by Silvia Duenas-Bielser, Diversity and Outreach Specialist of USTA NorCal and Craig Pasqua, Diversity Committee Chair about the upcoming Hispanic Coaches Training being held in San Jose the weekend of Oct. 31st. Given the current nationwide demographic shift in the US which will result in at least one in four persons being of Hispanic or Latino descent in the coming years, the workshop topic is timely in that it will address how Hispanic Coaches can impact tennis development in the US plus it will offer key essentials for any coach looking to attract and retain Hispanic players.

Hosted by USTA NorCal Manager of Player Development Dan McCain. Coaching the Person and the Player, and what that means. Panelists include Human Behavior Expert Candace Silvers, Seattle-based WTA Pro Tour Coach Mark Hanson, and Bay Area Clinical Psychologist, author, and mother of a young tennis star Heather Pedersen.

How do culture, environment, personality, work ethic, parental and support systems, and mentoring are far more accurate factors than talent that predict ultimate success. What are the causes of success in tennis? Tune in to learn how!

My name is Andre D. Jordan, and I am the Executive Director of this newly formed chapter. We are honored to bring the NJTL to Lincoln High School after nearly six years of attempts to get this far. Our chapter’s mission is to bring Arthur Ashe’s “First Serve” program to our school and have it become a vital part of our curriculum after school through our afterschool program in conjunction with the local community Y.M.C.A. It is our hope and wish that as our program grows, more students and community members will be invited to join us and reap the benefits of this successful program. We are first looking to serve our low and middle income students, as well as our hard to motivate students. It is our collective thought that through the game of tennis these students can benefit from the physical, mental and nutritional training that the game of tennis provides. This is why we chose this program. We see it as a challenge to our students, one they will not be able to resist. Listen and see how you can support Mustang Tennis. Contact Andre at AMUNCHMAN1556@aol.com.

David Smith, marketing and communications manager from Lair of the Golden Bear comes on to talk about this great camp nestled in the forest of Pinecrest California. Campers of all ages at the Lair enjoy organized activities, find adventure on their own, or just sit back and forget their cares. Guided nature hikes introduce campers to the plants and wildlife of our amazing landscape. Campfire shows, sing-alongs, and lessons are all part of the music program, while tie-dye, t-shirt painting, and ceramics bring out the artistic spirit in everyone. Sports activities include softball, tennis, volleyball, basketball, ping-pong, horseshoes, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, and, of course, swimming. Boating, fishing, golf, and horseback riding are also available at nearby independent facilities (not included in camp fees).And you do not need to have attended or graduated Cal to join us at the Lair! We do ask that at least one attending adult become a member of the Cal Alumni Association.Visit http://alumni.berkeley.edu/travel/lair-golden-bear/types-vacations/sports-and-recreation-week for more details!

Developing Tennis in Oakland is just one of the triumphs Coach and legendary player Larry Atkins is doing. Assuming director of tennis at the whimsical Davie Tennis Stadium, Larry is working towards developing tennis players at every age, every ability level. Tune in and get a chance to hear Larry talk about what he is doing to shape tennis and tennis players in Oakland, but bring a pen and paper so you can take not of how you can get out on one of Larry's courts and into his program!