Goal Setting: Tennis Court to Classroom at First Serve OKC

First Serve OKC

First Serve OKC Foundation, a chapter of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, has been a beacon of hope and opportunity since its inception in 2013. This youth development organization provides a safe and nurturing environment for thousands of low-income, underserved children in Oklahoma City. By focusing on life skills, academic improvement, and promoting healthy lifestyles, First Serve OKC is making tennis accessible to all, regardless of financial means.

In 2013, just 30 children attended a three-week camp, and 11 years later, the organization now engages nearly 2000 players year-round. Through its strategic partnerships and tireless efforts, First Serve OKC ensures that every child can learn and grow through sports, offering all levels of programming and competition, from beginner taster sessions to coaching nationally ranked competitive athletes.

First Serve OKC exemplifies best practice #18 in Community Partnerships by operating in close collaboration with local communities and schools, ensuring broad access to tennis and educational opportunities for underserved youth.

Financial Accessibility

A cornerstone of First Serve OKC’s mission is to make tennis financially accessible. The organization has excelled in raising substantial funds through grants, sponsors, and donations, effectively offsetting most of the participation fees. This financial support is crucial in providing children with the resources they need to thrive, including coaching, equipment, and travel expenses for competitions.

Elementary School Program

One of the organization’s standout initiatives is the highly successful Elementary School Program. This six-week program introduces tennis to new players, provides healthy snacks, and incorporates life skills lessons. Physical education teachers from 28 elementary schools select students to participate in this after-school program, which culminates in the Team Challenge Tournament. Here, players represent their schools and communities, emphasizing the value of every point scored, regardless of match outcomes.

Balancing Sports, Education and Life Skills

First Serve OKC’s holistic approach ensures that children receive balanced development in sports, education, and life skills. Programs like summer camps offer a diverse curriculum, including tennis coaching, nutrition, literacy, STEM, and ACT prep courses. The club and competitive programs provide ongoing coaching, tutoring, and mentoring, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth and academic achievement.

Nurturing Future Competitors

The organization’s programs are designed to introduce the sport of tennis, provide athletes with a positive experience and nurture talent. Through school initiatives, camps, and clubs, approximately 25% of participants advance to the competitive program. Here, they will receive thousands of dollars in investment, covering coaching, clothing, equipment, tournament fees, and travel expenses. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent a child’s pathway to excel in tennis and in life.

Educating and Empowering Through Goal Setting

A key best practice is the integration of S.M.A.R.T. goals’s ”specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound” into its programs. This approach helps students develop autonomy and accountability in their sports, education, relationships, and finances. Coaches guide athletes in setting personal goals, tracking their progress, and celebrating achievements, thereby fostering self-esteem and resilience.

To-Do List for Youth Sports Leaders

1. Collaborate with Schools to Build Community Connections

• Action: Establish partnerships with local schools to introduce your sports programs and support educational initiatives.
• Benefit: This approach helps in imprinting your organizations brand with potential club and competitive participants while also supporting the schools’ goals.
• Example: Implement programs similar to First Serve OKCs Elementary School Program, which integrates tennis, healthy snacks, and life skills lessons within the school setting.

2. Integrate Life Skills Education with Sports Training

• Action: Develop programs that teach life skills alongside sports skills.
• Benefit: This holistic approach ensures that athletes gain essential life skills such as goal-setting, teamwork, and resilience, which are crucial for their overall development.
• Example: Use the S.M.A.R.T. goals framework as practiced by First Serve OKC, where athletes set, track, and achieve personal goals in both sports and academics.

3. Leverage Storytelling to Engage Donors and Sponsors

• Action: Utilize compelling stories and testimonials to draw interest from potential donors and sponsors.
• Benefit: Storytelling can highlight the impact of your programs, making it easier to secure financial support and build a loyal community of supporters.
• Example: Visit the First Serve OKC website to watch testimonial videos by athletes and parents, view positive images of young people working hard, and see the extensive list of partners who support the organization financially. Use similar content to showcase the success and impact of your programs.

Tony Mullican: A Leader with Vision

Tony Mullican, the Executive Director of First Serve OKC, has been instrumental in driving the organization’s mission forward. Joining as program director in 2019, Tony has expanded the program’s reach from 400 to nearly 2000 players. A proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Tony serves as a Director of the North American Indian Tennis Association and on the USPTA Native American Task Force. His commitment to serving, teaching, and empowering the youth of Oklahoma City has made a profound impact on the community.

Link to First Serve OKC Website

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Get recognized contact David Newbery if you have an example of best practice and are willing to share your story of success with the youth sports community.  [email protected]

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