Missouri Valley / Oklahoma

USTA Net Generation program builds pathway for tennis in Oklahoma K-12 schools

Blair Schluter | May 04, 2026

The USTA Net Generation program partnered with Bethany Children’s Health Center to host a dynamic and impactful training event on April 21, further expanding opportunities to bring tennis into schools across Oklahoma.

The event, organized in collaboration with Healthy Schools Oklahoma, a department within Bethany Children’s Health Center, focused on equipping educators with the tools and confidence needed to introduce tennis in K-12 physical education classes.

Healthy Schools Oklahoma plays a vital role in connecting schools with programs that promote student wellness, and the Net Generation schools initiative is a natural fit. Designed to integrate tennis into PE curricula, the program emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity and fun by using age-appropriate equipment and structured lesson plans.

The goal is simple: provide students with a positive first experience in a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime.

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Teacher Training Impact

Through Net Generation, the USTA supports schools with a comprehensive package that removes many of the traditional barriers to adding a new sport. Participating schools receive a curriculum developed in partnership with SHAPE America, ensuring alignment with national physical education standards.

In addition, educators are provided with equipment tailored to different age groups, making it easier to engage students of all skill levels.

A key component of the program is the free three-hour teacher training session like the one held April 21. During the training, instructors learn how to effectively deliver a tennis unit using ready-made lesson plans available on the USTA Coaching website.

These resources are especially valuable for teachers who may not have a tennis background, giving them the structure and confidence to lead engaging and effective classes without having to build a curriculum from scratch.

Casey Hale, school health manager with Healthy Schools Oklahoma, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.

“We’re always looking for fun, easy ways to get kids moving, and tennis is a great fit,” she said. “Through Net Generation, we saw an opportunity to bring something new into schools that’s engaging and accessible for all students. It keeps kids active in a fun, inclusive way. Students are building coordination, strength and overall fitness without it feeling like exercise.”

An April 21 USTA Net Generation training provided Oklahoma educators a hands-on opportunity to learn tennis so they can in turn teach the sport to their students.

The Net Generation event was a collaborative effort between the USTA and Bethany Children's Health Center, geared toward K-12 educators.

An April 21 USTA Net Generation training provided Oklahoma educators a hands-on opportunity to learn tennis so they can in turn teach the sport to their students.
The Net Generation event was a collaborative effort between the USTA and Bethany Children's Health Center, geared toward K-12 educators.

Building Local Pathways

The success of the program is rooted in collaboration. Healthy Schools Oklahoma works closely with schools to create access points for students, while the USTA provides the resources and expertise. Local tennis providers then help complete the pathway, offering opportunities for students to continue playing outside of school.

“Healthy Schools Oklahoma works closely with schools. Schools connect us to students. USTA provides the resources and expertise. And the community helps support it all,” organizers said. “That collaboration is what makes this possible.”

Alywn Mushonga, manager of regional community play for the USTA Missouri Valley, noted: “More than just a single event, the Net Generation schools program is designed as a sustainable pipeline for youth tennis development. By introducing the sport in physical education classes and connecting students to local programs, it creates a clear and lasting pathway for continued participation.”

Beyond physical activity, tennis offers a wide range of benefits for young people.

“Tennis builds endurance and coordination, but it also helps with focus, confidence and resilience,” organizers said. “It’s a great way to support both physical and mental health at the same time.”

With continued partnerships like the one at Bethany Children’s Health Center, USTA Net Generation is making meaningful strides in growing the game of tennis while supporting the health and well-being of students across Oklahoma.

Learn more about school trainings and how to bring tennis into schools by clicking here.

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