Sisters Catherine and McKenna Savoca at the “What a Racket” event they created to spread the word about tennis and nutrition to a group of children who might never be able to experience the sport otherwise.
Many teenage girls spend their Sunday afternoons sleeping, shopping, doing last-minute homework or hanging out with their friends—not the Savoca sisters.
Seventeen-year-old Catherine and 15-year-old McKenna Savoca, student athletes at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, decided to devote last Sunday, and many more, spreading the word about tennis and nutrition to a group of children who might never be able to experience that sport otherwise.
The Savocas, who are Heathwood’s top two tennis players, formed “What a Racket” with the mission of “introducing children ages 6-10 to the sport of tennis in a fun and friendly atmosphere.” In addition, the sisters want to provide a “framework for healthy nutrition, fitness, and sportsmanship.”
The “What a Racket” movement started on a gorgeous day November 10 at the Fairfield Recreation Center with 11 children brought from Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Ridgeway. During the 1.5 hour session, each child was given his or her own tennis racket to keep, a tee-shirt that said “What a Racket” on the front and “ We’re Downright Smashing” on the back, and nutritious goodies to eat during teaching breaks. Each child brought home a folder containing information about nutrition, a list of stretches the children could do to increase flexibility, and a “homework” sheet of exercises the budding players could do off the court to improve their tennis skills.
The rackets were donated by friends and family, refurbished when necessary, according to proud mom Sharon Savoca. The girls also used their babysitting money to buy the shirts, supplies, and snacks for this session, and future outings.
Catherine and McKenna spent most of the afternoon teaching fundamentals of tennis through varied drills that engaged the children but also slipped in discussions about daily nutrition, the need to drink lots of water, and good choices when it comes to snacking.
Dan Broome, a deacon at Mt. Pisgah, said the kids were excited for the outing.
“Most of them would never have the chance or access to the coaches to learn about tennis,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for them to get out of the house, away from video games and such, and enjoy a new sport. If you get one tennis player out of all these kids, it’s a great thing.”
To schedule a play date, make a donation, or for general questions about “ What a Racket,” call 803-738-2884 or email cboots97@aol.com.
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