This summer, Harker Summer Tennis Camp (HSTC) participants had the opportunity to learn tennis through a new program. Craig Pasqua, tennis program director, introduced beginning players to the Quick Start Tennis Format, a nationally-sanctioned teaching method approved by the USTA, USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) and PTR (Professional Tennis Registry). This method utilizes diminished court and racquet sizes and uses foam training balls (as well as regular tennis balls). Open to boys and girls ages 7-14 entering Gr. 2-8 in the fall of 2009, HSTC is designed for campers with an interest in improving their tennis knowledge and skill base. For the third year in a row, HSTC participants also attended the USTA Kids Town Hall Forum at the Bank of the West Tennis Classic, a WTA professional tournament.

For older and/or more experienced players ages 6-18, the HOTTS (Harker Oakwood Tennis Training System) program offered competitive tennis players the opportunity to participate in a program that combined regular team practice with weekly interclub matches. Players under age 19 who desired to compete against local tennis clubs and develop tactical skills learned advanced technical strokes, footwork and sports psychology. The program included on-court instruction, technique and strategy practice, and stroke practice with both an instructor and ball machine.

Over 100 students participated in the summer tennis program this year, including some players who have come for all six of the years that Pasqua has been running the program.