University of Nebraska Medical Center Forms New Tennis Club

A new tennis club has formed at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, thanks to a generous Grow the Game Grant from the USTA. The UNMC Racquet Club was created last summer based on the needs of tennis-loving students who wanted an outlet. Organizer Tiffany Truong said UNMC has intramural sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf and even curling, but was missing her favorite one.

“After the pandemic, I realized how much I missed playing in a group setting and meeting new people through tennis,” she said. “I quickly learned that many students felt the same way and that we needed tennis at UNMC. Since the start of our organization in July, we expanded to over 60 members, with representation from every college including medicine, nursing, physical and occupational therapy, pharmacy, allied health, and graduate studies.”

Truong said the purpose of the UNMC Racquet Club is to: Provide opportunities for teamwork building and competition; provide quality instruction and to encourage a lifelong appreciation for a healthy, active lifestyle. They either play at Dewey Park or Hanscom Tennis Center in Omaha, depending on the weather. She said thanks to the USTA grant, they are able to let students play at no cost.

“Equipment and court fees are the most significant barriers to starting tennis, especially for students who are new to the game,” she added. “With the USTA's support, we can focus on expanding our organization and building a community in Omaha instead of facing financial and logistic obstacles.”

Truong has played tennis since she was eight-years old and even won a state singles title for Lincoln Southwest High School in 2014. Since being in college and medical school, she hasn’t played as much as she would like. Until now.

“I started UNMC Racquet Club because I missed playing tennis,” she explained. “In a time where the pandemic has forced us to spend time apart, I'm proud to be part of an organization where racquet sports can bring us back together.”

Truong is a fourth-year medical student applying into pediatrics. She will graduate next May and start residency in July, 2022.

This club is for both experienced and novice players. For more information on the UNMC Racquet Club, contact Tiffany at tiffany.truong@unmc.edu.