On June 6, the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP) hosted its inaugural HJTEP Community Combine at the Milstein Family Tennis Center at Columbia University. Sponsored by the USTA Foundation, the combine welcomed young athletes ages 8 to 18. Participants, who came from around the tri-state area, were grouped by age and ability, receiving technical evaluations to either help them discover the sport or facilitate their development as tennis players.
“It was to help evaluate kids with experience that are looking to be recruited to colleges — kids [who] play tournaments [and] want to see where they land in their fitness stage or in their tennis stage,” said Simone Spigner, HJTEP program director. “For young kids and beginners, it was to help them find a tennis home if they don’t have one and have a little fitness and some fun.”
Spigner said the approximately 80 participants tried their hardest. They rotated through stations measuring speed, agility, and power, which are critical components of tennis. There were also “North Star” seminars — interactive workshops focused on HJTEP’s core pillars of academic excellence, character development, and long-term goal-setting.
“There was a spider drill, where they go to different points on the tennis court and back to center, and it was timed,” Spigner said. “They also were able to get their serve measured to see how fast they served, and they played some tennis, so we could see where their tennis competencies are — whether they are mentally focused, whether they know how to construct a point.”
Several college coaches were in attendance, including from Fordham, Iona, Smith, and Baruch, saying they were impressed with what they saw. They shared with the parents what they’re looking for in student-athletes.
Long-time HJTEP participant Hunter Davis served as a volunteer, assisting with the speed and agility events for the older kids, as well as playing matches. “We were able to hear from the [college] coaches … what they were looking for in a player,” said Davis, a rising high school senior who wants to play tennis in college. He relished the opportunity to volunteer and give back.
“Everyone left with smiles on their faces, and the parents were grateful and thankful,” said Spigner. Each participant received a personalized combine scorecard with a detailed snapshot of current performance and a roadmap for future training. “We got a lot of good feedback.”
