On September 5, the second annual Anguilla Tennis Academy After School Program began. This year’s program is being conducted by Jason Allen, Director of the ATA. Jason is originally from Florida where he grew up playing the world renowned Florida junior circuit. Both he and Mitchelle Lake, founder and president of the ATA, were team mates at Gardner-Webb University and played doubles together.

Coaches and participants in the Anguilla Tennis Academy After School Programme

Jason is also a USPTR certified tennis professional with 13 years experience in the tennis industry. For the past six years Jason has been teaching Spanish literature and language at the University of Kentucky, Universidad de Valladolid (Spain), and Tates Creek High School in Lexington, Kentucky, but recently felt compelled to come to Anguilla and assist Mitch in bringing first class tennis to Anguilla.

It was his lifelong dream to be a collegiate athlete, a goal which he accomplished in 1996 when he was offered a scholarship to play at Gardner-Webb University, NC. Jason had an illustrious career at Gardner-Webb where he played number one singles and doubles for the Running Bulldogs. Besides posting one of the all time highest winning percentages in the history of the university, he was also named to the South Atlantic Conference All Academic Sports Team his Junior and Senior year.

Jason’s first coaching job was at the age of 15 as an assistant tennis pro at Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club, Green Cove Springs, Florida. He worked for 8 years under the tutelage of USPTA Professional Jim Huber, an icon in north Florida tennis. Jason was promoted to Head Pro at the age of 17 and took control of the junior program where he coached many young players to obtain state, national, and international rankings. He also coached players who went to college on scholarships as well.

In summer of 2000, Jason became the tennis director at Danville Country Club, Danville Kentucky. He worked there for one season before going to graduate school at the University of Kentucky as a Ph.D. candidate in philosophy of Hispanic literature. In 2003 and 2004 he became the tennis coach at Tates Creek High School, Lexington, Kentucky. At Tates Creek he turned a team who finished last in their conference to second in the conference in one season.

Marvin Hazell, also a USPTR certified professional, has just been named Head Tennis Professional of the ATA and will play a most important role in the success of the after school program. Marvin has been part of the ATA for many years as one of its first students and now, because of his commitment to the youth of Anguilla, he is most deserving of this promotion.

Moreover, the ATA would like to recognize the signing of three new assistants: Keithroy Proctor, Vallan Hodge, and Denny Derrick. All three young gentlemen are USPTR certified as well, and will assist Jason and Marvin in providing first class tennis instruction to the children. Keithroy Proctor just recently received a tennis scholarship to play at Lambuth University and will start in the fall. Also, both Denny and Vallan are in contact now with two universities interested in providing them with a scholarship as well. Jason Allen commented, “First and foremost, I am excited to be here in Anguilla to give back to children. I have done well in my tennis career and at some point everyone must be willing to give back. Not only is it my job to teach the children, but I am committed to training Marvin, Denny, Vallan, and Keithroy so that they can compete effectively at the collegiate level as well as become exemplary coaches. These dedicated young men will represent Anguilla well but there is a great deal of work to be done before they are ready for the next level of tennis.”

So far there are 35 children registered for the After School Program. There is only room for 35 more as the limit is 70. Children ages 5-10 play on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Children ages 11-18 play on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Classes are held at Webster’s Park on both courts. If any child wants to register, he or she may come to the courts and Jason can register them on the spot. Jason Allen commented on the program so far: “The children are enthusiastic and eager to learn. We have kids of all ages and some very good talent among the younger ranks. With talent like this, and coaches who are dedicated, we will soon see an Anguillian champion on the ATP tour.” Mitchelle Lake added, “I am delighted to have Jason on the ground here to help build a high quality programme. Also, Marvin and the assistants are proof that the program is working.

The ATA is truly developing players who want to better themselves and give back to the community.”

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