More Than Tennis Serving Up Future Success

When Txengkong (TK for short) first joined Saint Paul Urban Tennis, he saw more than just a summer job – he saw a world of possibilities. "I personally joined because I saw all the opportunities," TK shares. "I was able to be a coach, leader, enjoy my environment and lastly get paid for it. It was honestly a win-win situation." That positive attitude and eagerness to grow helped TK make the most of every program he joined, from the Warriors Leadership Academy to Employment PLUS, summer coaching, and the All City Tournament. His dedication to excellence didn't go unnoticed – he was even named "Best Coach of the Year," a moment he cherishes as one of his finest achievements. What makes TK's journey special is his determination to learn from every experience. "I always step up when I have a chance to," he explains. "Every program I joined and every experience that I went through gave me a lesson. I always took something out of it." His growth as a coach particularly stands out. TK remembers his first experience as a head coach as a turning point in his development. "It taught me patience, new ways of creativity, and just allowing myself to be me," he reflects. "I had to be patient with the kids cause they loved to have fun but also be rowdy. Creativity allowed me to make up new drills and games. And lastly, allowing myself to be an adult for the youth while having an inner kid spirit." The coaching experience didn't just help him lead others – it improved his own tennis game too. "Being a coach vastly increased my knowledge and skills," TK notes. "I was able to grasp the lessons easier and self coach." For TK, SPUT has become more than just a tennis program – it's a second home. "SPUT was a place that I could return to. All my friends were here, the adults were welcoming and always helpful," he shares. He especially values how the organization helps young people develop: " SPUT gives the youth the path to grow. That very path allows them to grow, learn, and participate in opportunities that are rare for others." Looking back on his journey, TK has simple but powerful advice for current SPUT participants: "Enjoy! Enjoy all the experiences and opportunities that SPUT gives. You can always take something out of it. Everything can be fun if you enjoy and live in the moment." TK's story exemplifies how embracing opportunities and maintaining a positive attitude can lead to remarkable personal growth. His journey with SPUT has been, in his words, "fun but reflective" – a perfect combination for developing both tennis skills and life skills.

Sometimes the best journeys start with a simple moment. For Yusra, it was playing tennis with her dad when SPUT Tennis Director, Vilai, spotted her potential three years ago. That chance encounter opened the door to what would become an amazing adventure with Saint Paul Urban Tennis. Since then, Yusra has embraced every opportunity SPUT offers. "I've done almost all the programs that SPUT has to offer," she shares proudly, "from coaching to being coached myself, Warriors, and Employment PLUS – I've almost done it all." Her enthusiasm particularly shines through when she talks about her experience as a coach this summer. "I would always wake up excited for another day to see them laugh, smile, and make jokes," Yusra recalls warmly. "These are some valuable moments that I will always remember." Through programs like Employment PLUS (EP) and coaching, Yusra developed strong leadership skills. Being trusted as a head coach gave her hands-on experience in guiding others. But perhaps the most valuable lesson came through personal challenges: "To never give up," she states firmly. "I've learned this through my own tennis game, getting injured, not playing for months then coming back and not being very good. I had to learn to not give up and keep pushing." What makes SPUT special for Yusra? "The people," she answers without hesitation. "The many different people you'll meet is an amazing thing that makes SPUT unique." She particularly values the program's inclusive atmosphere: "The kindness that is shown by everyone here is just one of the reasons the SPUT community is so lively, never excluding anyone for any reason." Her growth as a player has been supported by SPUT's unique coaching approach. "Being taught by multiple high-level coaches that don't care about your experience with tennis, rather your own knowledge and actually understand what they're trying to teach you has helped," Yusra explains. The impact of SPUT extends far beyond the tennis court for Yusra. "The friends I've made through this program and the many different skills that I was able to improve on will always impact my life," she reflects. To those considering joining SPUT programs, Yusra's advice is straightforward but powerful: "Try and do all the programs if you can, the experiences are worth it." Her journey exemplifies how SPUT's combination of inclusive community, skilled coaching, and diverse opportunities can help young people grow both as athletes and leaders.

The chance to meet new people and make friends is what initially brought Keng to Saint Paul Urban Tennis. Little did he know that this decision would transform him from a self-described "indoors kind of person" into a confident leader and skilled tennis player.  Through his participation first in our Employment PLUS program, he picked up the skills to coach in our spring, summer, and fall programs. In just eight months, he has grown from a complete beginner at tennis to someone who can rally with varsity-level players. "If you have the drive to get better, it will surely work out in the end," Keng says about his quick progress. But Keng's biggest change wasn't just about tennis. "SPUT helped me find the courage to speak up more and share my feelings in new ways," he shares. This new confidence has helped him create his own opportunities instead of waiting for things to happen. But for Keng, the biggest change wasn't just his tennis skills. "SPUT gave me the courage and confidence to speak out more with my voice and express my feelings in ways I never have before," he shares. This newfound confidence has helped him create his own opportunities instead of waiting for things to happen. One of his favorite SPUT memories came during spring coaching when his young students started calling him the "MVC" - Most Valuable Coach. "My heart just melted away," Keng recalls. This moment perfectly captures the supportive community spirit that makes SPUT special. The organization's commitment to building community was particularly evident during a recent Warriors team-building camping trip. "We became close friends by singing around the campfire and playing games together. By the time camp ended, I knew everybody's name," Keng shares. Beyond the courts, SPUT equipped Keng with valuable life skills through the Employment PLUS program, where he learned essential professional skills like resume writing and interviewing. These practical tools, combined with the confidence gained from coaching, have prepared him well for future endeavors. To current and future SPUT participants, Keng offers this heartfelt advice: "Don't be afraid to talk to new people, they are always willing to talk and get to know you better. Saint Paul Urban Tennis is an amazing community and organization. You just have to find yourself within it." Keng's story exemplifies how SPUT's programs go far beyond teaching tennis – they build confidence, foster community, and help participants discover their own potential. His SPUT journey shows how the right combination of opportunity and support can transform lives, one serve at a time.

Crush Your Summer With Saint Paul Urban Tennis! Summer tennis lessons are a great way for kids to stay active and develop important life skills. When choosing a program, look for one that is tailored to your child’s age and skill level, is conveniently located, and works with your summer schedule. Saint Paul Urban Tennis (SPUT) is proud to offer low-cost tennis programs (and scholarships) for youth in the Saint Paul area. Not only will they get to enjoy the sport of tennis, but they will also benefit from the social and physical aspects that come with being part of a sports team.