Here's yet another thing I love about Fort Worth tennis: Players can get to know you at one facility, but they won't forget about you if you find a new place to teach. The pros you leave behind still will have their students and hopefully gain even more, but you won't have to worry that you weren't meaningful to the people you taught; they will remember you and try to stay in touch.

Last summer, some of you may recall that I rebuilt my forehand under the tutelage of McLeland Tennis Center pro Matt Probey. I was there so often that I also got to know pros Edward Leija and Scott Smashey, who taught there at the time but both have since moved on. McLeland continues to feature a strong staff at its well-located facility, whose indoor courts are a big draw all year round.

These days, Leija catches as catch can to offer lessons at courts convenient for his students, while Smashey teaches in South Florida. They both remain popular with their former McLeland students, and they remain good friends. So they have decided to host a tennis camp this summer at Everman High School, which should please the many, many players who have missed Smashey since his departure late last summer.

"The courts we will be using are great courts, which I was lucky to find," Leija said. "I am very excited about it. Parents are welcome to come out and watch, bring their folding chairs, umbrellas and coolers. If they would like to help out during lunchtime, that would be great, also."

Leija and Smashey both are fluent in Spanish, which impressed me when I met them. That opens the door to teach that many more people while speaking their language. Beautiful.

There will be well-run summer camps for kids throughout the Greater Fort Worth area, so whether you choose this one or another--or maybe more than one--you should do fine. We are fortunate to have scores of skilled pros in Fort Worth, and I am getting to know as many as I can as we get into our second year as a website.

Here are the camps listed in our Flyers & Signup Sheets section, and as I receive more flyers I will post them, too.

Leija's and Smashey's camp is scheduled for June 4-8 from 9 a.m. until noon, with lunch included, at Everman High School. Registration runs through May 28, so call Leija at 817-602-4437 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The camp costs $35 per day or $150 for the whole week.

Also, they have just added an event for adults: Leija and Smashey will run a one-day camp for adults from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, at North Crowley High School. This one costs $50 per player. Contact Leija at the number or email above for more information or to sign up.

TCU to Host Women’s Pro Circuit Tourney this Summer

TCU will stage a $10,000 Women’s USTA Pro Circuit Tournament from July 30-Aug. 5. Details are still to come, but the event has been added to the official 2012 USTA Pro Circuit calendar.

Jason Marshall, TCU's women's assistant coach, also informs me that TCU is seeking sponsors, including a title sponsor.  There are opportunities for five levels of corporate sponsors, ranging from $500-$5,000--and they look like a lot of bang for the corporate buck, if you ask me. There also are two levels of individual/family sponsorships, which also are affordable and special. The flyer includes contact information for those interested in sponsorship, but here it is on a glance: Contact Linda Cappel at 817-637-3428.

UT-Arlington Honored with Two Players of the Year

UTA's women reached the Southland Conference Tournament's championship round, where they ended their season. They went 9-2 in conference and 14-8 overall. They were led by senior Maria Martinez-Romero, who went 10-1 at No. 1 singles and was named SLC Player of the Year.

Senior Mindaugas Celedinas, who went 5-0 in SLC singles play, was named the men's SLC Player of the Year, giving UTA both prestigious awards. Junior Yauheni Yakauleu also went 5-0 in conference singles. You can read more on the Mavericks website.




Special Olympics Texas Summer Games from May 24-27 at UTA

UT-Arlington and the City of Arlington will host the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games, including tennis, from May 24-27. The other sports categories are athletics, basketball, equestrian, gymnastics and soccer. The event is billed as the largest amateur sporting event in the state, with more than 3,000 participants.

The tennis competition is scheduled for May 24 from 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m., May 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 26 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UTA Tennis Center, located on the campus' "Greek Row." UTA's address is 701 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, 76019.

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