2022 was a year to remember as we celebrated 20 years of building community through the lifelong game of tennis! Enjoy these memories from the last 12 months of serving out our mission:
On June 8, 2002, we opened our doors to bring affordable tennis to all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in the Twin Cities. In this celebratory year, we shared stories from former and current employees and adult and junior players. These stories gave us a better understanding of how FWTEC came to be and reinforced the impact of this lifelong sport. To read these interviews, click here.
We also enjoyed a birthday party on our official 20th birthday celebrating with cake, and of course, tennis! Check out the slideshow on our website to look through the last two decades.
Aspen Institute's
Children's Bill of Rights in Sports
In 2022, our organization officially endorsed the Aspen Institute's Children's Bill of Rights in Sports, and we hold ourselves accountable to honor the following basic rights that all children have:
To play tennis
To safe and healthy environments
To qualified program leaders
To developmentally appropriate play
To share in the planning and delivery of their activities
To an equal opportunity for personal growth
To be treated with dignity
To enjoy themselves
To learn more, click here.
Adapted and Expanded
School Programming
The 2021-2022 school year was a little bumpy, and once again, tasked our Education team with the need to to get creative with our holistic approach to serving young people on and off the court. During the Minneapolis teacher strike from March 9 to March 24, we offered programming to our TennisWorks students from 1 – 5pm each day with transportation included, if needed. A typical day of programming started with lunch and socializing before we moved to the court and participated in dynamic team-building activities that transitioned students into playing tennis. The last hour of programming was student choice to stay on court or go upstairs and do off-court activities. We have been challenged to find new ways to serve our students as the world around us continues to shift, and we have!
The Fall school year saw returning partnerships and some new faces! Our sustaining school partners Bancroft Elementary, Folwell Community School, Urban Academy Charter School, and Andersen United Middle School returned with full rosters, as well as, new after-school programs with Sullivan STEAM Magnet School and Ella Baker Global Studies and Humanities Magnet School in South Minneapolis. The team also completed a three-week swing at Ella Baker teaching 5 gym classes ranging from ages 8 to 14 with an average of 25 students per class to boost exposure to tennis.
This was a high energy, exciting, fun, and dynamic year! We look forward to furthering our outreach and opportunities for new students and continuing to provide space for our steady players. None of this would be possible without our supporters, staff, families, leadership, volunteers, and tennis players, so please take a moment to embrace our gratitude for your contribution to our devoted community.
Introduced TennisWorks Academy
New this Summer was TennisWorks Academy, created to grow our strong connections with our students while cultivating a curiosity about the world around us and a desire to learn. In this program, students were able to play tennis, engage in learning activities, and participate in team building games. The most unique part, and probably the most exciting, if you were to ask one of the students, was all of the incredible field trips to Free Geek, Urban Roots, Minnehaha Falls, Hennepin History Museum, and Science Museum of Minnesota. The final two weeks included Coach Clay and his mom, Diane, an amazing music teacher, taking over a classroom with a drumming session.
Grew our Leadership Programs
Our leadership programs with Youth Advisory Board, Boys Leadership Team, and Fearlessly GiRL were in full swing engaging more than 40 young people. Each cohort of young leaders built a community to support each other, grow in their skills on and off the court, eat good food, and socialize.
Added New Junior Opportunities
After a strong response to our new Junior Pathway last year, we added more offerings for our young players to improve on and off the court. Fitness training sessions were added to assist the growth and maturation through endurance, strength, agility, mobility, and balance exercises. Saturday Night Match Play was created for juniors to apply what they have learned in their weekly classes and get practice matches in with their coaches giving feedback during points and changeovers. We continue to be amazed by our young players and their love for the sport!
NJTL Essay Contest Winner: Kayla Christian
We are so proud to see our own, Kayla Christian, recognized as a National Winner of the USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Contest in the Girls 15/16 Division!! Kayla and her Dad received an all-expense paid trip to New York City at the end of September. She has been a Section winner for the past 3 years, so we were not surprised to see her have the best essay in the country for her division! Kayla is a junior at Eastview High School and started playing tennis at FWTEC in 6th Grade. To read her essay, click here.
Adult Programs Filled Our Courts
Whether it was for drills, clinics, or leagues, our adult players kept our courts and coaches busy. We expanded our clinic offerings for USTA rated players and beginner students enjoyed eight-week long sessions to grow their game. Our Women's Daytime League had more teams than ever and evening singles and doubles in-house and USTA leagues have match play happening until our doors close. Thank you for sharing your passion for tennis and bringing positive energy to our bubbles!
Welcomed A New Executive Director
In May, the Board of Directors announced Christine Nickels, a familiar face, as our Executive Director. Christine spent the last 5 years with us as the Assistant Executive Director and the Director of Education and Partnerships. We are so excited to see what we accomplish in the new year under her leadership!
Freshened Up The Place
We went bigger and brighter for 2022! Our lobby and upstairs area got new LED lighting, our fitness room was updated with new equipment and flooring, we replaced 2 of our roofs, and it's amazing what a little fresh paint will do.
The ProAm Returned
After three years, the ProAm returned on May 21, and it was clear how much our community missed this event! In addition to the high-level tennis and fun times with our friends, you helped us raise more than $68,000 after expenses to be invested in free programming and experiences! Mya Dennis and Matt Crosby are the first duo to have their name etched in the brand new Molly Peterson Cup as they were crowned the 2022 ProAm Champions.
Our 4th Annual CommUNITY Gala
This CommUNITY Gala was extra special as we came together in downtown St. Paul and raised over $150,000 before expenses to ensure our mission is lived out and that participation is based on a desire to play and not an ability to pay! We heard from our very first Executive Director, Dan Shannon, and his work with Fred Wells to bring our orginization and facility to life. Former and current students, Charles Miller, Sophia Youngdahl, Leo Cazales Pelaez, and Isaac Lower, shared their personal stories of how this sport and supportive community has positively influenced their lives. Five Legends of The Fort were inducted and celebrated for their commitment to the youth we serve: Jo Batty-George, Jeanne Lacy, Linda Langeness, Susie Neet, and Dan Shannon.
Continued Support from our Amazing Foundation Partners!
We would like to thank the Isora Foundation, USTA Foundation, Otto Bremer Trust, USTA Northern, Sheltering Arms Foundation, and Frederic C. Collin Trust for their continued trust and financial support as we work together to build opportunity, confidence, and success with the youth we serve.
A huge THANK YOU to all of you for helping us fulfill our mission over the last 20 years. Your support fuels us to continue for many more decades to come and live out Fred Wells' vision of a community of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds who come together to enjoy the lifelong game of tennis.
As we close out this year, we invite you to consider a year-end, tax-deductible donation to gift the game of tennis this holiday season! Click below to donate through our website or click here to learn the different donation options.