As a tennis player for Robinson High School and a second year captain, Sophie Le (26′) wants to give others a community through tennis. Le is using the IB CAS project to create a free program to play tennis for teenagers around Tampa.
“I think the reason why I love tennis so much is because I’ve had a good community to play with and a team that I love,” Le said.
Having played the sport since the age of 10, Le explains how tennis has been known as a “preppy” sport and she hopes that she can make it available for anyone who wants to play. CAS stands for creativity, action, and service. By creating a free tennis group, this clinic tackles the action aspect and service.
“My CAS project is based around making tennis more accessible for teens because the tennis is seen as a very expensive, preppy sport. I’m very privileged to have the opportunity to play, as lessons and equipment can end up being expensive, but I know that not everyone in the Robinson area. Regardless, I think whoever wants to play should be able to and cost shouldn’t stop them from playing tennis. It’s a very fun sport and way more fun with people who also enjoy it,” Le said.
When asked about what a normal clinic is like, Le speaks on how athletes with any experience can come and have fun.
“I started my first three sessions over the summer, and it was in the mornings and a lot of fun,” Le said. “We just did basics, like learning how to hit and serve, besides it’s really important for everyone to get outside and exercise, especially during the summer.”
Although the summer sessions have ended, there will be December clinics every Tuesday at the YMCA courts from 4:30-6 p.m. This is a great opportunity as well, as tennis tryouts are coming up for Robinson and it’s good to be prepared.
“My current goal is to prepare everyone for tryouts next month, since we have lengthy tryouts in January and I want to make sure everyone is prepared for what the real season is like,” Le said.
The tennis clinic is a great way for anyone to get some exercise and learn some basics of tennis, Tennis is a fun, fast-growing sport and an easy way to try something new.