In 2020 the USTA partnered with ThanksUSA, a national charity supporting military families through education. This fall, Iowa veterans can take advantage of the program with a series of free tennis clinics in Urbandale.  The clinics will start with the veterans, and then will later partner up with young players.

The purpose of the partnership is to provide opportunities for disabled veterans and service members to achieve therapeutic benefits and improve their overall health through adaptive tennis. Beginners and intermediate players are encouraged to attend, and racquets will be provided.

"We have witnessed the therapeutic positive impact that a weekly tennis session can have on the physical, mental, and social health of veterans,” said Jean Pletchette, Director of Sports Initiatives at ThanksUSA. ADVERTISEMENT “The camaraderie of the vets on and off the court is something very special that has become a highlight of their week!"

Many of the disabled service members have served in Viet Nam, Operation Desert Storm, Afghanistan and Iraq. Pletchette added that many times the players develop relationships off the court as well.

“The juniors share their tennis expertise while Veterans impart valuable life lessons from their time in service,” Pletchette said.

USPTA Professional and Adaptive/Wheelchair Tennis Certified Instructor, Nicole Berger, will lead the clinics. In addition to ThanksUSA and USTA Iowa, the program is also sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Adaptive Sports Iowa and Urbandale Parks and Recreation. 

Weekly Veterans Tennis Clinics

Where: Walker Johnston Park, 9000 Urbandale Ave.

When: Every Tuesday Sept. 14 – Oct. 19, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Contact: John Terpkosh, 913-967-9926, jterpkosh@movalley.usta.com

For more on ThanksUSA Tennis Corps, click on this link: https://www.thanksusa.org/tenniscorps.html