by Charles Tilley
Willow Oaks Country Club hosted the College Week Tennis Camp this past week, June 22-26. Cris Robinson, the chief coordinator of the event and head pro at Willow Oaks, was overjoyed at the large turnout and high level of tennis being exhibited by junior players from local clubs and the Mid-Atlantic region at large. The camp brings in different college coaches and tennis instructors each day to provide specific insight and drills for the players. This week, representatives from several esteemed programs were on site for specific days: Brian Kalbas of University of North Carolina, Mark Guilbeau of University of Virginia, Paul Kostin of Virginia Commonwealth University, Jay Bruner of College of Charleston, Billy Boykin of University of Richmond, and Ramsey Smith of Duke University.
Needless to say, the opportunity to meet and be instructed by such high level coaches is an invaluable experience for any junior player. Cris Robinson, camp director, was adamant about the advantages gained by players attending the camp, saying, "In addition to match play, the children were able to participate in real college practices as instructed by real college coaches. They are given advice the coaches would give their own players, including tips to position themselves for a college tennis career. It is simply a tremendous opportunity to learn from the best college coaches in the country."
Each day the players hit the courts from early morning to mid-afternoon, leaving the courts only for a lunch break with food provided by the club. There is a good deal of drilling and match play, often under the watchful eye of a college coach. At the conclusion of the week a pool party with a DJ was arranged to cap off the terrific experience. There will be another session of the camp with different coaches later this summer, August 17-21. Two chief attractions of this week will be Chuck Kriese, Thailand National Tennis Coach, and John Roddick of the Roddick Total Tennis Academy. There are still spots available in this upcoming camp; Cris Robinson can be contacted for further information.
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| College Week Tennis Camp |
