Community Tennis Association Spotlight: Crystal Lake Area Tennis Association

“The rewarding part is introducing tennis to the kids in my own community who have never been exposed to the sport before, never held a racquet or even thought they could ever play tennis and watching them grow as tennis players and develop a passion for the sport,” said Jasovic. “The USTA has allowed me to be that ambassador to promote tennis through various programs and to encourage the growth of the sport.

“I am beyond grateful for that.”

Jasovic says that there is nothing better than seeing that first smile of a child picking up a racquet for the first time and getting excited to start playing.

In the future, Jasovic hopes to reach older kids at the local middle schools since the focus has primarily been on elementary school children, while also creating opportunities for wheelchair tennis in the Crystal Lake area. She is hoping to raise awareness for the USTA/Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation and is looking to expand and enhance the tennis programs in the Sycamore and Rockford, Ill. areas.

If you would have told Jasovic a few years back that she would be the name for tennis in her community, she might not have believed you. But now, it is hard to imagine the Northern Illinois tennis scene without her CTA and all of the volunteers and coaches affiliated with it.

“I strongly encourage anyone who is passionate about tennis to consider the opportunity to run a CTA in their own community,” said Jasovic. “The USTA/Midwest Section can help you with all the resources needed to succeed.

“CTAs are a wonderful way to grow the sport and to make a difference in your own community.”

For those in their own communities looking to expand the reach of tennis, Jasovic says don’t hesitate. From her own experience, Jasovic says that forming a new CTA allows for that individual to become the point person for all tennis-related resources, something invaluable for the growth of tennis in most communities.

“It’s a very good way of assisting your community by helping your kids stay active, make new friends and develop lifelong skills,” said Jasovic. “It’s truly a rewarding experience, so I highly recommend it.”