While Serena Williams heads to the U.S. Open for a run at another Grand Slam, Brooklyn is a training ground for the next possible tennis star.
The King’s County Tennis League wants to develop individual character as well as a strong backhand.
The league started quietly at the Marcy Houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant five years ago, when it was known as the Marcy Tennis Club. It was founded Michael McCasland, a 27-year-old forensic scientist from North Carolina.
Today it has expanded to the Tompkins, Sumner, Lafayette, and Brevoort Houses, meeting every Saturday between May and October, offering free tennis lessons to children ages 5 to 15.
The volunteers are lawyers and teachers and scientists and marketing managers. The training includes character-building techniques the children can use both on and off the court. Each practice session also features a 15-to-30 minute off-court discussion — topics range from exercise and healthy eating to conflict resolution. McCasland says the lessons help students both athletically and personally.
“When emotions get high, we say, hey, what did we learn about conflict resolutions?” said McCasland. “Can we practice that right now?”
16-year-old Brandon Otero was one of the first members of the tennis club at Marcy. He returned as a mentor this year and says volunteering gives him the opportunity to give back to his community and continue to hone his tennis skills.
Otero plays basketball too, but admits tennis is his passion.
“I’m pretty good at tennis. I could see myself playing competitively someday,” he said.
The program is only offered on Saturdays to allow the children to have access to working professionals who are available on weekends. But McCasland says with more funding and indoor tennis courts, the program could be offered during winter months.
While there are other tennis organizations with larger budgets and the ability to transport children to indoor tennis facilities, the KCTL is dedicated being part of its community. McCasland says that although the league is expanding, he wants to keep the program in Brooklyn.
“It’s important to be proud of where you came from and who you are,” he said. “It’s part of your identity.”