Play Tennis in Lincoln on May 30

Tennis is a lifelong sport and tennis enthusiasts in southeast Nebraska want people who have never played to give it a try. Play Tennis Lincoln is on Saturday, May 30, for juniors and adults at various locations throughout Lincoln. The event is free to the public and no sign-up is necessary.

“We really hope this gets people excited about the lifelong sport of tennis,” said Rick Stempson, local tennis pro and facilitator of Play Tennis Lincoln. “This is a great way to come and try tennis at no cost, see if you like it, and then possibly continue with it.” 

Stempson first came up with the idea for this event when he ran a tennis clinic for his daughter’s sixth birthday party. Most of them had never played before, and had such a good time that they wanted to continue playing. Since Stempson works at a private country club, he wasn’t able to teach them there, but instead directed them toward local public facilities. 

“That’s when the idea of Play Tennis Lincoln really hit me: Let’s get all of the area pros and coaches together for a couple hours in the spring to promote tennis and then have information available to all the participants that may want to continue,” he said. “The Lincoln Tennis Association has gotten behind it 100 percent. There are some fantastic people that really want to give back to the sport and this is a great way to do it.”

Stempson grew up in the Lincoln area playing tennis, played collegiately at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has coached at most of the tennis clubs in Lincoln. This is his way of giving back to the community and the sport he loves so much. 

“Participants should expect to come out, learn the basics of tennis, hit a lot of balls, get some great exercise, and have a lot of fun,” he said. “They will also be provided with information from the local tennis clubs on how to continue with tennis if he/she chooses.”

Racquets will be provided for those that need them. Pepsi Cola and the Racquet Corner are helping to sponsor the event. For more information about the event, contact Rick Stempson at stempy90@hotmail.com.