Lafayette native and tennis pro Chanda Rubin is partnering with Beaver and Thomas Parks’ pro tennis instructor and Acadiana Serves Owner Calvin Kemp to provide free after-school tennis lessons and educational opportunities for Lafayette youth. The Chanda Rubin Community Tennis Program targets under-resourced families to expose children to tennis and provide after-school, classroom-style educational classes. The program is sponsored and funded through The Chanda Rubin Foundation.
Rubin said from as early as she can remember, her parents instilled a love of learning while encouraging and supporting her love of tennis. “I owe much of my success to community programs like this one. Tennis has taught me how to set goals, the value of dedicated work, and how to believe in myself, values I still use and rely on every day,” she said.
Rubin and Kemp both say tennis was the best thing that ever happened to them. Kemp said, “My Grandfather paid for my first few tennis lessons because he said tennis and golf are the two best networking sports for business. He made sure I was exposed to both.” At 13 years old, Kemp began traveling internationally to compete. He was a Blue Chip (considered one of the best in his sport) recruit while playing juniors, a nationally ranked collegiate athlete, a highly ranked player on national and international tours, and a touring professional player.
To participate in the program, the player’s families must earn less than the following financial eligibility limits:
- 2-person household: $43,800
- 3-person household: $49,250
- 4-person household: $54,700
- 5-person household: $59,100
Players who meet the criteria will attend once a week for four weeks and have their fees covered through sponsors. Kemp and Rubin are seeking community sponsor support through Rubin’s foundation. Click here to donate and here to register for upcoming sessions scheduled for March 8-31, April 5-May 5, and May 10-26.
