ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Learning a sport typically starts at a young age. Parents often give their child a ball, a bat, a racquet, or a glove to help build their interest in athletics. Kids swing and miss or throw in the wrong direction, but they often get to hear words of encouragement from those at a practice or game to keep going.

But its not that easy for everyone. Some children have challenges that they must overcome and do so on a daily basis. One group in particular are those children who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Luckily some have the opportunity to attend the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) here in St. Louis.

"CID's mission is to teach children who are deaf and hard of hearing to listen, talk, read, and succeed," mentioned CID's Director of Individual Donor Relations, Ann Holmes. "We empower families and professionals in St. Louis and worldwide to help children reach their fullest potential."

Part of their education is learning about physical activities and sports. Well, that is where the Washington University in St. Louis men's tennis team has been able to make a connection and give back to the community.

So, what does the program entail? It is designed for primary school students in age from 6-12 who sign-up for a 6-week, after-school tennis program where they learn basic tennis terminology and skills. It is coordinated by Holmes, Michael Laycob (CID board member and grandson of program founder, Paul Mendelson), and WashU head men's tennis coach Roger Follmer.

Each week consists of 45 minute sessions with warm-ups, instruction, drill work, fun games for skill development, and if time allows, watching some of the men's players hit to see what the skills look like when put together.

Since Paul and Betty Mendelson founded the program 20 years ago things have changed with the program, only for the better.

"I miss them (the Mendelson's) a lot but am extremely fortunate and happy to be working now with Michael (Laycob) and Roger (Follmer)," added Holmes. "The current tennis program, which not only exposes our students to an exciting and lifelong sport, but also honors the Mendelson tennis legacy which began those many years ago."

Students at CID would get to come to their gym where the Bears would have different activities for them to participate in. Everything from running to how to hold a racquet to smashing an overhead.

"I think this is a great program, especially for the WashU team to be able to give back to the St. Louis community," said Bears' senior Scott Yamamoto. "I know the university loves to give back to the community and to be able to help children who aren't as fortunate as some others is a great feeling."

"It's really great to see these kids fall in love with the game we did," added senior Stefan Hester. "It also has been great to see the development of these kids throughout each week that we've been at CID."

This fall there was an upgrade to teaching the children about tennis.

Beginning back in September, the men's tennis team was able to use the newly renovated tennis courts at Hudlin Tennis Park, in front of Barnes Jewish Hospital.

The courts are named after legendary St. Louis tennis player Richard Hudlin, who coached other tennis legends in Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. Thanks to funding from donors and the USTA Missouri Valley, new courts were resurfaced and facilities updated with the intention of being able to host community clinics, including those that the WashU men's tennis team does for the CID.

"Playing on the Hudlin Courts was also a change this year," Holmes added. "It was great and I think the children enjoyed it as much as the adults. The weather cooperated for five out of the six session, so we took advantage of the newly renovated courts so close to CID."

With CID on the opposite corner from Hudlin Park, it was ideal move for both the Bears and CID staff to give the children a chance to learn tennis on an actual tennis court. Yamamoto, who has helped with the program for the past four years notice a difference from the past three years to this fall.

"I think the biggest difference was that the students actually got the opportunity to play actual tennis, which is great," he added. "Before we were using their indoor basketball court with portable nets, but really stepping out on a tennis court, giving them the feel of what it's really like to be out in the sun and beautiful weather. There really is no better place to have an afternoon of tennis than at Hudlin Park."

"I've only been going to the program for two years, but like Scott said, being about to go on the outdoor courts is really important," added Hester. "The children are able to get a sense that this is a real game. Even just seeing us hit, they seem to enjoy it more and more every year."

Its not just the men's tennis athletes that get something out of it, but also the families of the CID students in the program. Several parents and guardians have had a chance to see their children be active and participating in an activity that they normally wouldn't have had a chance to.

"It's been nice to see the kids that return from year to year," said Yamamoto while reminiscing about the program. "It's really cool to see them grow throughout the fall term but being able to come back the next year and see the kids a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, and with the same passion to play tennis, its inspiring."

Even in just two years with the program, Hester has felt what it has done for him and this teammates.

"Just being able to talk to the kids, interact with them, not just teaching them tennis, but helping them develop one-on-one relationships even though we are not there that much is really important," Hester added. "Being able to give back to the deaf and hard of hearing community while seeing these kids grow is amazing."

"This program with CID and the men's tennis team has continued to be a wonderful relationship," Holmes summarized. "How fortunate are we to have some of the best tennis players in the region and country right in our own backyard and willing to come each fall to help our CID students learn more about the beautiful and challenging game of tennis? Darn lucky."

The WashU men's tennis team will kick off the spring portion of their schedule on Saturday, February 1 when they host the Warhawks of Wisconsin-Whitewater at 5:30 p.m.


* Photos courtesy of CID