Press Release

Note: Thanks to Joyce Royle for this article

PRESS RELEASE by Ms. Jackie Keller ( from http://www.sptcfirstserve.org/ , May 9, 2003)

Jim Courier, former number one tennis player and Florida native, has announced he is joining the St. Petersburg Tennis Center Grass Roots Program at Bartlett Park by offering his time and influence toward expanding this successful after-school tennis and academic program. Following recent visits to the Center and spending time with the children and staff, Mr. Courier says he was "overwhelmed with the excitement and fun I see in the eyes of these youngsters. They are engaged in a sport and enjoying the experience. Some of the family stories will make you cry. We are giving these kids one more chance to succeed in life, as well as tennis."

The Foundation is understandably excited to have someone of JIM COURIER’S stature step forward as an uncompensated volunteer. His tennis career included 23 titles, four major Championships, and he is one of the few modern players who have been a finalist in all four of the Grand Slam events. As a player he is known as a hard-working, well-conditioned athlete with a thinking man’s game and a potent forehand. As an individual, this Dade City native is an inspiring example to our young players of personal responsibility, life-long learning, and community giving.

Although his main residence is in New York City, Mr. Courier visits the Tampa Bay area often. He will take part in activities and honor ceremonies for the players. Discussions are taking place as to a future fund raising event.

The St. Petersburg Tennis Center, a 15-soft court facility located within the economically challenged Midtown are of St. Petersburg was founded in 1934. The Center has a rich history as one of America’s premier tennis sites. The list of tennis players who have played at the Center is a who’s who of tennis. Chris Evert won her first tournament on our stadium court. Over one dozen tennis professionals and a hundred college players learned their games here.

Hard times befell the Center during the 1980’s and 1990’s as other tennis clubs were built in town and the facility deteriorated. The Tennis Foundation of St. Petersburg, a non-profit501(c) (3) organization, was formed in 2001 to operated the center as a welcoming place of tennis, a safe haven for the children of our community, a respectful common ground of diversity, and a celebration of an historic site.

With support from the City of St. Petersburg, the United States Tennis Association, and individual donors, the Foundation operates a highly successful grassroots tennis program. Building on the experience of Director of Coaching Rick Crockett, a 17 year veteran of the Harry Hopman Academy, and Doc Thompson, a volunteer coach at the Center for over 45 years, the program has attracted the neighborhood children, accomplished junior players and dedicated volunteers. Recognizing the educational challenges facing the children of our community, a homework assistance and computer training program was added with a certified teacher and teaching assistant.

The Tennis Foundation was named the 2002 Florida Tennis Organization of the Year by the USTA. With Jim Courier’s help the Foundation can build on this early success by expanding the existing program, adding a mentoring and nutritional guidance components and establishing a world-class inner city venue for generations to come. Mr. Courier will be providing assistance and advice in the design and implementation of these programs.