The United States Tennis Association's Military Tennis program in Lake Nona gathers on Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. What began in 2017 as a handful of veterans finding common ground through the game has grown into a weekly ritual that typically brings together 12 to 14 regular participants, with additional veterans from the Lake Nona VA Medical Center joining when they can. Participants come from different backgrounds and generations, some having played for years and others picking up a racquet for the first time, and they have served in every branch. Sessions include warm-ups, drills and match play, with time for conversation between points and games.
The program's reach extends beyond the weekly sessions. Participants have traveled to New York for the US Open and taken part in clinics inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Naval Academy Women's team and retired Vice Admiral Sean Buck, former Superintendent of the Naval Academy, recently participated, an experience many regular attendees still talk about. Most participants say what keeps them returning is the familiarity and consistency of the faces that show up week after week.
All veterans and service members are welcome to join the program at no cost by contacting tony.stingley@usta.com. Those who are not veterans but would like to volunteer can find more information through USTA Florida.
Press release issued by Lake Nona:
https://lakenona.com/blog/serving-those-who-served-inside-ustas-veterans-tennis-program/
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