First Year is a Success for This Team
KIDS WHO BELONG TO THE SAME CHURCH, SCHOOL AND CLUB FORM A TEAM
By: Amanda Tobin/ USTA Southern

This 12 & Under Intermediate team from Baton Rouge, LA is a group of kids who enjoy spending time together. This is their first year competing together even though they have known each other for quite some time. The members of this team all belong to the same church, school and athletic club. Lisa Pike, team captain, asked other parents who were members of the Southern Oaks Athletic Club if their children were interested in playing Jr. Team Tennis, and that is how Wii Play was formed.

It is not a coincidence that the team is named after the popular gaming system Nintendo Wii. For many of the families of members on this team, the Nintendo Wii tennis game has become a favorite family past time. This team also has the advantage of enjoying each others company off the court as well. The kids are between the ages of ten and twelve and all of the children, as well as their parents are good friends. Even though the members of Wii Play are spread out between the 5th, 6th and 7th grade they talk regularly at school.

It might seem unusual for a team to have such great success during their first year, but the majority of the members of Wii Play participated in tennis lessons and clinics prior to their formation. Some of the kids even played in local tournaments. Between past experience with the game and the close nit nature of the kids on the team, this team seams to be unstoppable.

This group of kids excels on and off the court according to Pike. They breezed through the state tournament and are looking forward to the chance to compete in Mobile against some stiff competition at the Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships this weekend.