Austin Tennis Academy 'Serves' Those in Need

Since 2005, the Austin Tennis Academy (ATA) has been instilling a sense of passion in their players – on and off the court. Mastering a fantastic forehand is only the beginning of the lesson their students will learn. While they have produced dozens of wildly successful players over the years, one of their main goals has not been tennis-related. Over the past four years, ATA has been raising money for A Glimmer of Hope with the same dedication and energy they bring to each match.

ATA has raised more than $350,000 to build 28 water wells, a reservoir that supplies over 10,000 people with water and two schools in rural Ethiopia. In 2008 alone, the Playing for Glimmer campaign raised over $150,000. And of course, under A Glimmer of Hope’s 100% promise, every last penny has gone toward the projects.

But what’s even more astounding than the amount of money raised is the players’ incredible commitment and love for the cause. A small group of players, coaches and parents went to Ethiopia to check on the work that had been done.

One of the campaign's organizers, 14-year-old Josh Hagar, had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia and see the progress of their projects. He was recently personally congratulated for his efforts by tennis icon Billie Jean King.

The man behind the academy's unique culture is Head Coach and CEO Jack Newman. Around his academy there are reminders of the players' on-court successes, but it is the photos of rural Ethiopians collecting their first clean drinking water with the words Austin Tennis Academy on signs in the background, that give Newman his greatest feelings of fulfillment.

ATA from A Glimmer of Hope on Vimeo.