Buncombe County students participate in a special Net Generation clinics ahead of the Fed Cup in Asheville. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
On Wednesday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and USTA North Carolina hosted 260 kids from Buncombe County elementary schools for special Net Generation clinics.
One of those students was Hayley Hooks. She told News 13 she was super excited to get the chance to play tennis with Team USA and may start playing tennis regularly as a result of the experience.
“Yeah, I think that would be really fun,” Hooks said.
According to the USTA, tennis in North Carolina has risen by over 12 percent since just last year, and professionals believe that’s because of the Fed Cup.
“It’s a really exciting time for American tennis because we have so many young players coming up. And it’s mornings like this, that the players come in and give their time, and see these young kids, and inspire them and to see the numbers up. That’s what it is all about,” the United States Fed Cup team captain Kathy Rinaldi said.
But, it’s not just the chance to play tennis that excites these youngsters. They also love the chance to meet who they consider to be big celebrities — the players.
“It’s just so exciting because they’re, like, famous, and you get to meet them, and it’s just awesome,” Hooks said.
The USTA has partnered with Explore Asheville, Ingles Markets, Mercedes Benz of Asheville, Mission Health, New Belgium Brewing Company and the Omni Grove Park Inn to bring this event to Asheville. Last year’s partnership generated an estimated $3.5 million economic impact on the region, and this year’s partnership will feature a variety of community and kids’ events that will once again turn the competition into a weeklong celebration of tennis.
According to USTA, the Fed Cup is the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sport, with about 100 nations taking part each year. The U.S. holds an overall 151-37 record in Fed Cup competition with a 41-6 record in home ties.
The Fed Cup will be held at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville on Feb. 9-10. Tickets are available on ticketmaster.com.
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