Nebraska City Tennis Program Keeps Growing

July is Parks & Recreation Month. We are honoring the month by featuring local parks and recreational programs that are instrumental in growing the game of tennis.

Ten years ago around a dozen kids signed up for a tennis camp at Steinhart Park in Nebraska City. Fast forward to today and more than 60 kids signed up for summer camps with four new tennis courts. Jason McNeely heads up the program and is also the head boys’ tennis coach and assistant girls’ tennis coach at Nebraska City High School. Now he just needs to keep up with the demand.  

“Our high school teams have grown to 18 boys and 26 girls,” McNeely said. “I’ve had more interest in private lessons and small groups than ever before. Now I have to find a way to provide these programs.”

During the summer camps, McNeely said they spread the kids out over the four courts, and put the youngest ones on a nearby basketball court. High school players step in as instructors and mentors.

“It’s quite a sight to see all those kids in the park,” he said. “Our high school players are instrumental as they act as the coaches and really become the stars of the camp. The kids just love their coaches.”

McNeely was asked to start the summer youth program ten years ago. Since he had only played for fun, he took USTA Quick Start Training at Woods Tennis Center to learn more about the game and how to teach it. USTA grants helped pay for racquets and balls, and the rest is history.