Mayor’s Night Nets Brings Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis Programming to KC Youth
More than 50 children from Kansas City, ranging in ages from 9 to 18, participated in this year’s Mayor’s Night Nets, a six-week program that helps introduce them to the benefits of sports in a positive, educational setting, as well as other programming beneficial to their lives and livelihoods.
While the program usually focuses on sports such as volleyball and basketball, this year, thanks to the work of Mayor’s Night Nets coordinator Ivori Smith and Scott Hanover of the Stephanie Waterman Foundation, children in attendance were introduced to tennis.
"It was a very successful evening, and a fun way to incorporate another net game to be introduced to the girls," said Hanover.
In addition to the introduction to tennis, this year’s Mayor’s Night Nets programming included features “Let’s Stay Hydrated,” which was facilitated by Denise Sullivan of the MU Extension Service; “The Importance of Food Recovery,” from special guest Mike Thomas, a board member of Pete’s Garden; and “What to Look For/Do in Suicide Prevention,” hosted by Rianna Malbrough and Margaux Ummones of Swope Health Center.
In addition to the coordination of Ivori, Hanover, and the selfless individuals who hosted programs during this year’s Mayor’s Night Nets, several local businesses and volunteers pitched in to help provide athletic gear, snacks, and prizes for the children. Each child in attendance was also treated to a nourishing meal each night.
Thank you to everyone who helped bring Mayor’s Night Nets to the children of Kansas City!
Related Articles
-
![Visit the Squash Star Finds Tennis page]( "Chris Jung was a nationally ranked squash player and competed on a USTA Heart of America league team that won a national championship.")
Squash Star Finds TennisSeptember 09, 2026After years as an elite squash player, Chris Jung discovered a new racquet-sport community in Kansas City, helping a Woodside tennis team to a national championship. Read More -
![Visit the Tennis Puro Espanol page]( "Diego Schtulmann and Mariana Ochoa Guerra have taught Tennis Puro Español classes at Plaza Tennis Center.")
Tennis Puro EspanolSeptember 08, 2026Tennis Puro Espanol is creating new opportunities for Spanish-speaking players at Plaza Tennis Center. See how two coaches are using tennis to build community. Read More -
![Visit the Changing Young Lives page]( "USTA Heart of America and Synergy Youth Services have a partnership that provides weekly tennis instruction to children.")
Changing Young LivesJuly 30, 2026A partnership between USTA Heart of America and Synergy Services is helping children experiencing housing instability to find fun and friendship through weekly tennis. Read More
Sign up for our Newsletter
Download the USTA App
