News

Lee University will host its 23rd annual Kay McDaniel Summer Tennis Clinic on June 2-6 at Lee’s DeVos Tennis Center.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn from former world-ranked professional tennis player Kay McDaniel, the director, along with her capable staff of instructors.

April 1 is the last window of opportunity for kids to sign up for the remaining 50 spots of the 2014 Kay McDaniel Tennis Clinics. Typically, these spots are filled in just the first two weeks of April.

“My 35 wonderful instructors are the real heroes of these clinics,” said McDaniel. “My main goal is to serve not only tennis but the love of God to every participant. It’s a joy to teach these kids a game they can play for a lifetime. They have such a blast and seem to never want the clinics to end!”

The ages for participants are 6-13 and all skill levels. Kids that have participated, have reached age 14, and still want to be involved can sign up to be selected for the junior instructor position. Any adults who desire to help teach tennis at the clinic can contact McDaniel.

McDaniel shares inspiring stories of how she overcame difficult obstacles in sports and in life. From age 11 she dreamed of becoming a professional tennis player. Her first tennis racquet was a Green Stamp racket which she collected over 10,000 stamps to obtain.

Her mother sewed all her tennis clothes until age 15 when top sponsors, such as Fila, Adidas, TAIL and Nike, began to sponsor her tennis career. She went on to realize her dream by competing at tennis’ Grand Slams for six years against legendary players such as Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, and Steffi Graf. McDaniel rose to the top 35 in the world in singles and held a #20 world ranking in doubles.

McDaniel, an assistant professor at Lee in the Health, Exercise Science, and Secondary Education Department, hopes to inspire greatness in all her participants. Her tennis clinic receives rave reviews from parents and kids alike. Last year over 25 cities were represented in McDaniel’s tennis clinics.

“Ms. Kay’s stories are always a hit at our household,” said one participant’s parent. “The clinic environment is electric and it’s always so organized and fun for everyone involved. Plus, the fact that it’s a free clinic for an entire week is just outstanding. Cleveland is most fortunate to have an event of such excellence every year. I always hear families prioritizing Kay’s tennis clinics first on their busy summer calendars.”

Prizes such as tennis grips, sweatbands, tennis visors, water bottles, t-shirts and other items are given during the week. On the last day, an awards event takes place where special prizes are given.

The clinic is free, but space is limited.

For more information about the clinics and to register for this event, visit www.kaymcdanieltennisclinics.com. For questions, contact [email protected].