As more children began playing, the need for another instructor became evident and Edgar Rodriguez came on board. Rodriguez’s experience competitively and professionally brought a new dimension to the tennis program. His extensive training (he played at Wimbledon) and trainer skills have added different levels of tennis from teaching the beginner all the way to the college development, Davenport said.
In the fall of 2010 another instructor was added. Nestor Vargas, a junior at West Alabama University and their No. 1 tennis player, coaches Carolina Junior Tennis during the late spring, summer and over Christmas holiday season.
“There are several good sports programs here in the community but not a comprehensive developmental junior tennis program,” said Davenport. “We have use of all District one Schools 18 tennis courts, Harmon Fields in Tryon, Saluda School in Saluda, and Red Fox Country Club in Columbus. We also use the Landrum United Methodist Church gym and the O.P. Earle Elementary gym in Landrum for rainy and cold days. Our main base is the O.P. Earle tennis court in the winter months and Red Fox Country Club in the spring and summer.”
Davenport said, “We emphasize hard work, listening and being respectful to others in the group, and to family members and our instructors. Sportsmanship is a key factor in the program.”
Contact Davenport for more information at 864-415-8775 or davenportcb@windstream.net or visit www.CarolinaJuniorTennis.com for the spring/summer programs.
– article submitted by Barbara Childs