We’re Sammie and Troy, high school tennis players from Research Triangle High School. Our goal is simple: to make tennis fun, accessible, and welcoming for every kid under 14 with no barriers and just a love for the game.

Tennis Accessible for Every Kid

🎾 Join a Clinic
💚 Get Involved

Meet Sammie, Founder & Program Leader

Hi, I’m Sammie! I’m a 17-year-old junior at Research Triangle High School in Durham, North Carolina, and I’ve been playing tennis since 6th grade. Tennis has been one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of my life. It has taught me how to stay patient, control my emotions, and keep going even when things aren’t perfect.

I’m proud to be a two-time All-State player, the team captain of the Research Triangle High School boys’ tennis team, and last year I reached the semifinals of the state tournament. Competing at that level has taught me the value of hard work, focus, and teamwork skills, that I bring to everything I do, both on and off the court.

I’m originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and moved to Durham when I was five. I love this community, and I’m passionate about giving back to it. I also love learning about people, cultures, and new ideas, and one day, I hope to become a nurse anesthetist (CRNA) so I can continue helping others.

I started this foundation because tennis has given me so much confidence, friendship, and joy, and I want to give those same opportunities to kids who may not be able to afford clinics or equipment. Every kid deserves a chance to experience the amazing sport that has shaped who I am today.

Outside of tennis, I love spending time with my family, hanging out with my friends, and being outdoors. I also enjoy working out, watching soccer (Go Liverpool!), cooking, building Legos, and spending time at the beach. At home, I’m usually with my younger brother Liev (10), my sister Mila (8), and my dog Tovi.

Meet Troy,

Co-Founder & Coach

Hey, I’m Troy! I’m 16 and also a member of the tennis team at Research Triangle High School. I’ve been playing since 6th grade, and tennis has become a huge part of my life and I can’t imagine what I would do without it. I love helping younger players learn the game and gain confidence on the court.

I was born in Seattle, Washington and moved to North Carolina in the 3rd grade. My dad has been playing tennis for many years, and once he introduced it to me in the 6th grade I fell in love with it. I remember hitting with him nearly everyday during the pandemic, and loved every second of it. I want other kids to have that same chance of discovering something that they can be truly passionate about for a long time.

Outside of tennis, I enjoy spending time with my family and hanging out with my friends. My favorite pastimes are watching football (especially my favorite team the Seattle Seahawks) and spending time with my 2 cats, R2 and D2.

For me, this program is about more than just tennis—it’s about building community, sharing what we’ve learned, and creating a space where every kid feels welcome and supported on their journey through life.

Our Mission

Our mission is to make tennis accessible and enjoyable for every child, giving all kids the chance to learn and play the game we love.

We believe sports can teach valuable life lessons, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, and we want to share those lessons with every kid in our community.

We see a future where tennis brings people together, encourages growth, and builds lifelong confidence both on and off the court.

Programs

  • We offer free one-hour tennis clinics every Saturday at 9–10 AM or 10–11 AM for players who are 5-14 at Southern Boundaries Park .
    Each session focuses on learning new skills, improving technique, and most importantly having fun!

    Our clinics include:

    • Friendly coaching from high school tennis players

    • Group drills, games, and match play

    • Teamwork and sportsmanship lessons

    No prior experience needed, just bring yourself and energy!

    Our first clinc will be held on January 10th

  • We’ve Got You Covered

    No racket? No problem! We provide everything you need to play:

    • Tennis rackets for any player who doesn’t have one

    • Tennis balls for every session

    • Water to stay hydrated

    We want every person to feel welcome, no need to worry about costs or gear. Just show up and have fun!

  • Building Confidence On and Off the Court

    Our goal goes beyond teaching tennis — we want to help kids build confidence, meet new friends, and discover what they’re capable of.

    Through tennis, players learn teamwork, patience, and perseverance. These are essential skills that carry over into every part of life. We’re creating a community where kids can grow, support one another, and have fun together.

Ready to Play?

Sign up below to reserve your spot for an upcoming clinic!
Each session is free, and we’ll provide everything you need. You’ll get a confirmation email with your time slot and location details.

Get Involved

Want to volunteer, donate gear, or help spread the word? We’d love your support!
Every donation, whether it’s a used racket, a pair of shoes, or your time, any donation helps us keep this program free and accessible.

Ways to Get Involved:

  • Volunteer at a weekend clinic

  • Donate gently used tennis gear

  • Sponsor snacks or water for participants

  • Share our story on social media

Your help makes a difference, and we can’t wait to grow this program with you!