Players and parents,
Thanks for your interest in the Lady Vikes tennis program. Freshmen and new players are always encouraged to try out for the team. No previous tennis experience is necessary – we will teach you how to play if you are willing to work hard and have a good attitude.
I have listed below some things to consider:
Tryouts/practicesbegin Monday, July 31 from 5:15 – 7:00pm at Jacksonville Country Club.
New/beginning players are welcome – we will teach you how to play.
You must have a current physical and insurance to participate. If you do not have insurance, you must purchase insurance through the school; which is quite affordable. You must bring your physical and accompanying paperwork with you to your first day of practice. You will not be able to participate if I do not have possession of your paperwork. Download these forms from the WOHS website. You and your doctor must use the provided physical and accompanying forms – it is a county policy.
Commitment to the team – Playing a high school sport requires a tremendous commitment from both players and parents. Players are expected to attend every practice and match unless something unusual comes up Keep in mind that our home courts are at the Jacksonville Country Club – players are responsible for their own transportation to and from the club.
Equipment – Players must provide their own racquet and shoes. If you are going to purchase new shoes, please buy a “court” shoe (tennis, basketball, or cross trainer). Running shoes do not give enough lateral support for the movement on a tennis court. For a racquet, you don’t need to spend $300 on the one Serena Williams uses; however I suggest something better than the “WalMart Special”. The Prince “Rebel” or Prince “Hornet” are very good racquets for about $100. Both are a far superior racquet than what you purchase at WalMart or other department stores. Tenniswarehouse.com is a good place to order tennis supplies. You can also order shoes from tenniswarehouse.com. I’ve ordered lots of stuff from there and never had a problem. Sometimes you can find a good deal at Dick’s Sporting Goods. If you can find the discontinued Prince “Triple Threat Bandit”, it was the best racquet for the money out there, in my opinion. Be sure to surf the web for instructions on how to measure your grip size – that’s very important when you order a racquet – check this site:
Financial –Players must purchase a tennis dress and a tennis top that they keep at the end of the season (I have skirts and shorts). Often we have three matches per week and need at least two uniform combinations. Players will be able to order from an online site.
Workouts – I hope to be able to have some workouts before school is out and also during the summer. It is imperative that you join my text message group immediately as that is how I will communicate with the team. To join, send this text@7a9e02 to this number 81010 You must have a current physical to participate in any off-season workout. Also please add my cell phone listed below to your cell phone contacts.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Dirk Cline
Dirk Cline
Head Varsity Tennis Coach
cell:910-330-0364