Lipscomb tennis courts now open for campus and free trial use for the public

 

The Lipscomb tennis facility is now open and the exclusive purple courts are free for use by students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the Lipscomb campus recreation department is offering weekly tennis clinics and private and semi-private tennis instruction to faculty, staff and students at discounted prices.

 

The new courts will also be used each week by Lipscomb’s NCAA tennis teams and by the Lipscomb Tennis Academy, a program for children age 4 to 14, offering instruction twice a week beginning this week through Nov. 12.

 

 

The campus recreation department will hold Tennis on the Courts, a kick-off party for faculty, staff and students to celebrate the launch of the fall tennis programs on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4-5 p.m., at the new facility. The event will feature a tennis clinic taught by the university’s tennis teams and coaches and free T-shirts for the first 50 participants.

 

Due to construction of the tennis clubhouse, those using the courts should enter the tennis facility at the south tower of the Allen Arena West parking garage. The eight courts are open for use from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

 

The courts are also open to the public for a free trial period this fall before a new tennis club is implemented in spring 2010. Once the tennis club is launched, students, faculty and staff will receive discounts on the various programs offered to the public through memberships.

 

Lipscomb has established a partnership with the Green Hills YMCA, so that all YMCA members can use the courts free this fall and can participate in all ongoing tennis clinics and activities. YMCA members will also be offered special membership discounts this spring when the new tennis club launches.

 

“At campus recreation we strive to provide physical activities that get students, faculty and staff excited about being healthy. Tennis is just one more wellness option we can use to appeal to a wider variety of people,” said Emily Harris, Lipscomb director of campus recreation. “We are excited to be able to add tennis programs to the many services we offer the community thanks to our brand new tennis complex, which is the most comprehensive facility of its kind in the Green Hills area.”

 

 

Tennis clinics for men and women will be offered throughout the week. Private lessons are offered for $50 per hour and semi-private lessons for $25 per hour. There will also be a host of leagues, tournaments and social events planned throughout the year for participants of the tennis programs.

 

 

“Our hope is that with this new tennis facility, we can instruct all ages in life skills through learning a lifetime sport. With programs offered throughout the day, we have something for everyone,” said Andrew Harris, lead instructor and coach of the Lipscomb men’s tennis team. “With classes from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the tennis academy serves as a great after-school option for students at the David Lipscomb Campus School.”

 

The Lipscomb Tennis Academy is also enrolling new students for the fall session. The academy offers personal attention by professional instructors who teach the fundamentals of tennis in a cooperative environment.

 

New students can sign up for 12 sessions at the academy, twice a week, beginning Oct. 5 and running through Nov. 12. Price is $129 for ages 4-7, or $175 for ages 8-14. Or new students can be enrolled as a drop-in for $12 per class for 4-7-year-olds and $18 per class for 8-14-years-olds.