VCU news

By Melissa Jones

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University will work with a group of prominent local and national leaders to explore the possibility of establishing Richmond as a premier tennis city. VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D., and VCU Athletic Director Richard Sander, Ph.D., will convene the initial gathering of individuals who have committed to exploring the concept of bringing tennis to Richmond.

"This is an important effort on the part of the community, building on the history and growing popularity of tennis in Richmond and the success of VCU’s tennis program," said Dr. Trani. "We are opening the dialogue, and will conduct an analysis of how Richmond can become a national tennis city."

The project, "Advantage: Richmond, A World-Class Tennis City by 2005," is an effort that will focus on expanding tennis awareness and providing opportunities to the city’s youth. A newly formed advisory board will study a number of possible initiatives, including the development of a youth tennis academy that would feature VCU tennis coaches, players and students who would work with Richmond’s young people in a mentoring and tutoring capacity.

The programs, modeled after Stanford University’s East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring program (EPATT), would incorporate both academics and athletics.

"This is the perfect model for VCU," said Dr. Trani. "It fits naturally into VCU’s long established and strong commitment to community outreach programs."

"We see the potential for Richmond becoming a great tennis destination and becoming a city that will attract national intercollegiate events," said Sander. "And more importantly, this program will give us an opportunity to enhance the tennis experience for youth in our own community."

VCU’s men’s tennis team reached the NCAA finals against Stanford in 2000, marking the first time a VCU team had played for a national title. Following the tournament, VCU Men’s Tennis Coach Paul Kostin received national coach-of-the-year honors from the United States Professional Tennis Association. Also in 2000, the VCU Women’s tennis team included two national All Americans among its players.