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When it comes to tennis, Azaniya Genda considers herself "lucky."
Genda, a 16-year-old rising junior at South Hagerstown who was the Washington County girls singles tournament runner-up in May, took up tennis with her family as something that could be played outdoors during COVID — often on South's eight courts.
"During COVID, we just picked up tennis racquets from Walmart just to get outside and play something," Genda recalled. "When we were playing on South's courts, we saw Coach (Jason) Kamler. We introduced ourselves and he does summer lessons, and that's how I got my first lessons.
"I've been playing since sixth grade and I have the experience of taking lessons, playing actual games and stuff. I've been lucky to be able to do all of this in the first place, if I think about it."
When Genda looked around her school and community, she saw numerous students who did not have the opportunities she took advantage of.
She decided to do something about it.
Genda founded Courts of Hope Tennis, a nonprofit organization "whose mission is to make tennis accessible to all," according to its website. The first practice was held at South Hagerstown on June 9.
"Not all kids my age, or around my age, have the opportunity to play games with the cost of equipment, shoes, or even to practice, because those things can be expensive," said Genda during the second practice session at South on June 12. "I've seen there are a bunch of kids in high school and middle school who are willing to practice and willing to play tennis, but they don't have the opportunities and luck that I've had. So I decided to make a (program) for this, because these kids have the talent and they have the drive to actually get better, but they don't have the opportunity.
"This thing can benefit a bunch of kids. It can help them."
"She has always been a leader. She has always had a passion to help others," said father John Genda. "The first practice) was very exciting, because I always knew she had it in her. And it was very exciting to see children come out, and for some of the parents to be able to trust us with their kids, ensuring that it's a safe environment for everyone."
More practices are scheduled through the end of June, though upcoming court renovations at South could affect the dates.
"My favorite part is the kids themselves who are willing to actually do this — who are pushing themselves to the limits to actually do something like this," Azaniya Genda said. "The first practice, I saw so many new kids come over, and this is the first time I've seen them try so hard, and they improve so much, so fast. That's my favorite part, to see them improve."
"Just to see them achieve and be happy, that is a blessing," John Genda said.
Azaniya Genda is looking for others in the community — especially fellow students — to join the Courts of Hope team.
"I'm trying to get whoever is willing and wanting to be involved in this," Genda said. "We're willing to accept donations and help from really anyone who's willing in the community."
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: South Hagerstown High tennis standout Genda creates Courts of Hope
Continue reading...
Genda, a 16-year-old rising junior at South Hagerstown who was the Washington County girls singles tournament runner-up in May, took up tennis with her family as something that could be played outdoors during COVID — often on South's eight courts.
"During COVID, we just picked up tennis racquets from Walmart just to get outside and play something," Genda recalled. "When we were playing on South's courts, we saw Coach (Jason) Kamler. We introduced ourselves and he does summer lessons, and that's how I got my first lessons.
"I've been playing since sixth grade and I have the experience of taking lessons, playing actual games and stuff. I've been lucky to be able to do all of this in the first place, if I think about it."
When Genda looked around her school and community, she saw numerous students who did not have the opportunities she took advantage of.
She decided to do something about it.
Genda founded Courts of Hope Tennis, a nonprofit organization "whose mission is to make tennis accessible to all," according to its website. The first practice was held at South Hagerstown on June 9.
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"Not all kids my age, or around my age, have the opportunity to play games with the cost of equipment, shoes, or even to practice, because those things can be expensive," said Genda during the second practice session at South on June 12. "I've seen there are a bunch of kids in high school and middle school who are willing to practice and willing to play tennis, but they don't have the opportunities and luck that I've had. So I decided to make a (program) for this, because these kids have the talent and they have the drive to actually get better, but they don't have the opportunity.
"This thing can benefit a bunch of kids. It can help them."
"She has always been a leader. She has always had a passion to help others," said father John Genda. "The first practice) was very exciting, because I always knew she had it in her. And it was very exciting to see children come out, and for some of the parents to be able to trust us with their kids, ensuring that it's a safe environment for everyone."
You must be registered for see images attach
More practices are scheduled through the end of June, though upcoming court renovations at South could affect the dates.
"My favorite part is the kids themselves who are willing to actually do this — who are pushing themselves to the limits to actually do something like this," Azaniya Genda said. "The first practice, I saw so many new kids come over, and this is the first time I've seen them try so hard, and they improve so much, so fast. That's my favorite part, to see them improve."
"Just to see them achieve and be happy, that is a blessing," John Genda said.
Azaniya Genda is looking for others in the community — especially fellow students — to join the Courts of Hope team.
"I'm trying to get whoever is willing and wanting to be involved in this," Genda said. "We're willing to accept donations and help from really anyone who's willing in the community."
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: South Hagerstown High tennis standout Genda creates Courts of Hope
Continue reading...
