HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SPOTLIGHT

Setting Records in Fort Stockton by Bert Rainwater for Tennis Industry

Three Fort Stockton coaches were featured in the September/October edition of Tennis Industry Magazine for their outstanding work with their physical education program!

Tennis is alive and well in Fort Stockton, thanks in large part to Fort Stockton Independent School District elementary school phys ed coaches Delma Sanchez, Deanna Carrillo and Ester Acosta. In coordination with USTA Texas Tennis Service Representative Amanda Friday, the coaches have attended Youth Tennis in-service training sessions and other tennis educational sessions each summer to bring the sport to students at Apache Elementary, Alamo Elementary and the Intermediate School. The tennis program has seen solid growth over the last five years, thanks to a supportive school administration and additional funding for local programs from the City of Fort Stockton and the Fort Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau. The newly renovated Intermediate School courts now have blended lines, and last year the Labor Day Weekend One-Day Challenger Tournament saw a record 115 10-and-under players.

True Success in Corpus Christi by Ron Woods

Maria Casares was featured in the June 2017 edition of Tennis Industry in their NJTL Stars!

For Corpus Christi's Tennis Success program, there are few roles that Maria Casares doesn't fill. 

Maria Casares, director of education for Tennis Success in Corpus Christi, is full of energy. She not only tutors kids in the program, but also helps with fundraisers, organizes annual events for kids and parents, will counsel and consult with parents, and works with high school students who are planning on entering college, helping them with their scholarship requirements and submissions. She also spearheads all the projects involving the kids with NJTL contests that involve essay writing and artwork.

Fair and firm, Casares is the glue that holds the Tennis Success program together. She was instrumental in Tennis Success receiving the 2014 USTA Foundation's NJTL Chapter of the Year award.

Every child knows when they come into Casares' classroom, they will not only get love, but help with homework assignments and fair and equal treatment. For Casares, every youngster in the Tennis Success program is a teacher's pet.