Ames Fitness Center Serves All

In honor of our 100th anniversary in 2020, the USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing 100 deserving tennis providers, players, partners and more each month.

Selected nominees will be given a Gold Star award, recognizing them for the contributions they are making to support and grow the game in the USTA Missouri Valley based on specific program areas and attributes.

One of Iowa’s July honorees is the Ames Fitness Center. We spoke with Tennis Director Jim Huneke about what makes his facility stand out.

Huneke is assisted by head professional Armando Espinosa and staff professional Ron Miller. Combined the three have over 75 years in the tennis industry and all have coached tennis at the college level. Also on staff is Chris Moir, a tennis-specific strength and conditioning coach. The staff is committed to continuing education in order to provide the best service possible for its customers.  

As a private fitness and tennis club, Ames Fitness Center offers extensive junior programs year-round for all ages starting at the age three. Adult programming includes lessons, clinics and specialty courses as well as a large Cardio Tennis program and in-house leagues.

“Tennis is what our club was founded for and it continues to play a major role in the success of the business, “ said Huneke.

In addition to private offerings, Ames Fitness Center provides opportunities for the general public to use the tennis facility through USTA Leagues, Special Olympics and park and recreation programs. The center also plays host to four USTA tournaments per year and numerous Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) events. The facility boasts four courts and was named one of 25 winners of the USTA Facility Awards program in 2019. (https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/iowa/ames-tennis-center-named-2019-usta-facility-award-winner.html)

“We use our Tennis Service Representative, John Terpkosh, regularly to stay in contact with the offerings from USTA Missouri Valley, “ said Huneke. “They've provided us with invaluable grants as well. They help us promote our activities and are a wonderful partner in our success!”