TAGS is making a significant impact in the local community by volunteering to organize and run tennis clinics for youth through receiving a strategic partnership with the USTA (United States Tennis Association). This collaboration offers young athletes the opportunity to compete in a supportive, well-structured environment while promoting the sport of tennis at the grassroots level. Our clinics aim to develop young talent, foster sportsmanship, and build confidence, all while giving back to the community and ensuring the next generation of local tennis players loves tennis as much as we do! 

TAGS - University High School Titans & Mt. Spokane Wildcats High School Tennis Clinic 

The Tennis Association of Greater Spokane was excited to host junior varsity women players from these two Spokane area high 

schools this past Saturday, May 9, 2026. University Junior Varsity coach Mayrene Bickmore assisted TAGS tennis coaches Chelsea 

McKell, Jim Cramer, and Rocco Demateis with the two hour clinic. The clinic was held at the ParkFit Club located in the 

Spokane Valley.

The emphasis of the clinic was centered around developing the mind set with the young players that tennis is a “lifetime” sport. 

Recognizing, that while every player rightfully wants to excel for their team, continuing with your tennis after high school is also a 

very beneficial for the player’s long term health. During the pre-drill group discussion on the goals for the clinic it 

was enlightening to hear each player’s motivations and concerns in playing tennis. Here are a few of the most common comments 

the young women articulty expressed concerning their views on tennis:

1. Positive social activity was the most common point of view. 

2. Enjoyable form of exercise. 

3. Really like the competitive nature of tennis. 

4. Very helpful and challenging from a mental form of concentration & focus. 

From the perspective of tennis being a stress or challenging activity here are the most common responses:

1. Tennis requires so much practice. 

2. It’s hard to see my progress skill wise. 

3. It’s difficult to play year-round. 

4. “I wish I played better.” 

As a group we had an excellent conversation dealing with how to handle each of these positives and challenges fit into the life 

cycle of playing tennis for life and how TAGS and the USTA provide continuing opportunities to keep playing and improving 

their tennis game. The two hour of clinics focused on developing a players doubles skills. We covered court positioning, the volley, and the service 

return. Additionally, we had fun individual and group contests and doubles play to reinforce their learnings from the clinic. 

After the clinic portion we had refreshments, prizes, and gift bags for each of the participants in the up-stairs lounge of the club. 

It was a terrific afternoon of sharing tennis with fifteen talented young woman Junior Varsity players. My greatest hope is that 

they all left feeling more confident with their doubles play as well as why tennis is the perfect “lifetime” sport.