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Tennis Newsletter | April 2013 | VBgov.com/Parks 
Beach Blast is Back! 
 

Beach BlastThe Wayne D. McCoy Beach Blast will be held this Saturday, April 27th from 8:30 am to 4 pm at Owl Creek Tennis Center. This is currently the largest Unified Tennis Tournament in Virginia. Unified Tennis pairs players with and without intellectual disabilities as doubles partners in a non-elimination format.

 

Also taking place at the Beach Blast will be an Adopt-a-Unit packing party. The Adopt-A-Unit effort is designed to guide tennis organizations and players to 'adopt' a military unit by sending care packages of necessities. Currently, USTA/Virginia Tennis has adopted Detachment 19, Alpha Company, 48th Combat Support Hospital, a medical unit out of Ft. Story in Virginia Beach. They are supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait and Honduras in 2013.
 

Owl Creek has been collecting empty tennis ball cans over the past few months for the program. USTA/VA has been collecting items to be packed in the cans which will be sent to the Unit, along with tennis kits with portable nets, throw down lines, racquets and balls from USTA Serves (the National Charitable Foundation of the USTA), in partnership with the National Recreation Foundation. 

 

Owl Creek Tennis Center is proud to be a part of the tennis community's effort to show support, and to introduce soldiers to a recreational means for reintegrating with family, friends and community upon their return from conflict.

 

If you're interested in volunteering or would like more information, please go to VirginiaTennisFoundation.org. 

Update on League Play 
  
The 2013 Spring Leagues have kicked off their season. Although the matches have started, there is still time to join. Just contact one of the coordinators below.
  
Also, keep in mind that summer leagues are right around the corner. Singles, combo, mixed, World Team Tennis - so many to choose from! This summer, the USTA is introducing a new 40 & over league in the area as well.
  
Coordinators:
Karen Tucker (Spring USTA, Summer 40 & Over USTA)
  
Claudette Sealy (Combo, Singles, Mixed, World Team Tennis) 
Weekly Clinics

Cardio Tennis (all levels) | $15

Mon & Thurs | 6:30-7:30 pm

Tue & Fri | 9-10 am
Sun | 12-1 pm

  

Men's & Ladies Night Out (3.5 & up) | $21

Tue & Thur | 7:30-9 pm

Round Robin | $10
Wed | 8-9:30 pm

Fri | 7:30-9 pm
Sun | 8:30-10 am 


As some of these clinics fill, we ask that you call (757) 385-2695 the day before to reserve your place
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Find Us On Facebook! 

 

Recipe of the Month

Strawberry Arugula Salad

 

A perfect salad to be enjoyed on the patio on these warm spring days!

Welcome, Diane Deaton! Owl Creek's Newest Pro 
  
DianeDiane Deaton joined Owl Creek's teaching staff in late-March and had a blast as head instructor for our Spring Break Tennis Camp. Many of those students return weekly for a new junior round robin she started, known as the "Saturday Shoot Out." She also looks forward to running tournaments, junior and adult events, and enriching her students' tennis experiences.
  
Diane has been playing, teaching, and coaching for 35 years as a USPTR Professional. She coached the First Colonial boys and girls tennis teams for 11 years. The girls went to States 10 out of 11 years, and were State Champions in team, singles & doubles in 2011. She won Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2007.
  
Diane was a 4.5 National Champion in 2001, and WTT 4.5 National Champion in 2012. She is married and has two children in their early twenties.
Pro Tip: There's No Such Thing As a Low Overhead
by Owl Creek Staff

We've all been caught swinging at our volleys. We know it's bad technique, but it's so much fun that sometimes we can't help it. Once you've mustered the self-control to stop swinging at your volleys, it's important to know the difference between a volley and an overhead. Overheads, unlike volleys, are a stroke that you DO want to swing at. The problem is many players mistake a high volley as a low overhead, so they swing for the fences and are punished with errors accordingly. Remember, if you can't get underneath it and point at it, it's a volley, and you don't want to swing at it.
Register Now for Summer Tennis Camps! 
 

Tennis CampBefore you know it, summer will be upon us and kids will be enjoying the break from school, long days at the beach, and of course, TENNIS CAMP! Owl Creek is excited about another season of summer tennis camp. We are offering Indoor Tennis Camp  at Owl Creek Tennis Center, as well as Outdoor Tennis Camps at Kempsville Recreation Center, Bayville Farms Park and Owl Creek Tennis Center. Camps begin the week of June 17th.
 

Summer tennis camps are a fantastic way for your child to get introduced to the sport of tennis. It generally caters to those with little or no experience. Instruction of basic strokes, the structure of the court, and scoring are touched on during the week and exercised through fun drills and games.

Looking for a Match? We Can Help! 
 

Are you looking for other tennis players to play socially? Or, are you in town for a visit and looking for some match play? Although most of our play here at Owl Creek is league based, we know there are interested players looking for more informal match play and we can help you find them.

 

If you would like to be placed on our contact list, please complete this interest form

 

We'll be happy to put you in contact with other interested players looking for a game. 

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child require additional support, we can help.  Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.
Owl Creek Municipal Tennis Center
Location: 928 S. Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach | Phone: (757) 385-2695
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9am - 9pm | Saturday and Sunday: 9am - 5pm
We welcome your comments and questions.  Feel free to email us at [email protected].
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.