On Sunday, June 17th 2018, the ATA’s newest Tennis Instructor and proud alumni, Coach Natalie Hawkins, departed Anguilla for Dallas, Texas, to undergo one week of training under the guidance of Chris Wade. This trip was organized by Founder of the ATA, Mr. Mitchelle Lake, and Athletic Director of T Bar M Racquet Club, Mr. Chris Wade.
During her stay in Dallas, Texas, Natalie will be working with one of the best 10 & Under programs in the country. The training will consist of on-court teaching and coaching and off-court planning and development for ages 3-14 yrs old. In the last 10 years the USTA has come to believe that children have a better opportunity of success when they play on a smaller tennis court, with racquets that are lighter and shorter, and tennis balls that bounce lower. “With this format, rallies last longer and kids really fall in love with the game of tennis,” stated Chris Wade, Athletic Director at T BAR M.
Coach Natalie stated, “I am so grateful for this opportunity, I can’t say it has been a lifelong dream to be a tennis coach, but I have fully embraced this new and exciting dream. I intend on making the most of it. I have been playing tennis for as long as I can remember and the last few months have been an absolute pleasure. I’m excited to meet Chris and everyone at T Bar M. My goal is to impart the knowledge and skills acquired from my experience in Dallas to the younger children learning the game at the ATA. I am confident that I will succeed.”
For the last twenty-two (22) years, T BAR M and the ATA have joined their strengths to give the children of Anguilla the best opportunity to improve their tennis skills. This initiative has allowed Anguilla tennis coaches to train at T BAR M and it has given them the confidence of knowing that the techniques and fundamentals they teach to the Anguillian players have already been proven by the results of the T BAR M Tennis Academy whose players compete in tournaments all around the world. “Due to the efforts of Mitch Lake, founder of the ATA, the children of Anguilla have been given the chance to receive tennis scholarships to universities in the United States. The time and resources Mitch and his team have given to the children of Anguilla is amazing!” said Chris Wade. “Mitch has truly embraced the idea of PAYING IT FORWARD. He has dedicated his entire adult life to making sure Anguillian boys and girls receive the same opportunity he had through the sport of tennis.”
Founder and President of the ATA, Mr. Mitchelle Lake, stated: “Chris Wade and T Bar M have been instrumental in the development of the ATA players and coaches over the past 22 years. This unique partnership has allowed the ATA to build a sustainable program over the years and aid many graduates of our After School Program to become recipients of tennis athletic scholarships.”
For more information on the ATA visit
their website at www.anguillatennis.com.
– Contributed
