NSSRA Program Guides Spring 2018 | Page 35

www . nssra . org YOUTH PROGRAMS 35

Gator Tennis

Gator Tennis is for both athletes looking to develop their individual skills and those looking to play competitively . Each week , athletes will practice and prepare for Special Olympics competition . All athletes must have a current Special Olympics Medical Application for Participation on file . Save the dates ! The Special Olympics Illinois District Tournament will be held on Saturday , July 7 and for those who qualify , the Special Olympics Illinois State Tennis Tournament is Saturday , August 18 - Sunday , August 19 . Goals : Develop hand-eye coordination . Improve serving , volleying , and competitive play techniques .
Contact :
Katie James
Date :
Mondays , June 4 - July 2
Age :
8 and up
Min / Max :
6 / 12
Location :
A . C . Nielsen Tennis Center , Winnetka
Program Code / Fee :
289602-01 / $ 42
Time :
6:00 - 7:00 pm

Meet Gator Tennis Coach Pat Fragassi

Tell us about yourself and how you got into tennis . I earned a degree in recreation administration and found my way to the Nielsen Tennis Center at Winnetka Park District as an Assistant Manager . Unfortunately , I didn ' t have any experience in tennis . I was certified to teach and learned how to play at the age of 30 . 15 years later , I am the manager of the facility .
When did you begin working with NSSRA participants / Gator Tennis athletes , and tell us about how that started . About 15 years ago , I was asked by then-Director Liza McElroy to help with the Gator Tennis program . Since then , there has been no looking back !
L-R : NSSRA Staff Daniel Freres , NSSRA Gator Tennis Players Josh Devries and Stefan Xidas , Coach Pat Fragassi
What are some of your favorite memories over the years ? My favorite memories include working John Ferarra and Stefan Xidas . Two very accomplished tennis players with an undeniable passion for the game and competition . I also have enjoyed watching Gator Tennis players compete at Special Olympics , play exhibition matches at the Nielsen USTA Pro Tennis Championships , and love the excitement that the participants exude when they step on the tennis court on Monday nights in the summer .
What has impacted you most , or what have you learned the most , in teaching and training Gator Tennis athletes ? One of the most impactful and motivational moments for me came in working with Stefan Xidas . He told me that when he is on the tennis court , he doesn ' t have a disability . I think it is a perfect metaphor for the game of tennis , as we can enjoy a break from our day-to-day challenges for a few moments , while participating in this sport of a lifetime .

www . nssra . org YOUTH PROGRAMS 35