The Highland Falls Recreation Department hosted its second annual mini-tennis camp, welcoming 30 children ages 6-15 for an affordable $50 each for two weeks. O’Neill High School varsity coach, and USTA Clinician Rokhsha Michael-Razi oversaw the program again this year, with assistance from Town of Highlands Recreation Director Aaron Falk, and O’Neill High School Athletic Director Brooks Alexander.

“I am incredibly grateful to bring the joy of tennis to our children and neighboring families across Orange County,” Coach Rokhsha said. “By using our local school grounds, we created a safe familiar space where kids felt truly trusted and relaxed as they learned new skills.”

She continued: “This camp is a true community effort. Local youth gained valuable part time summer jobs, and varsity tennis players helped coach, passing along their passion for the sport while they learned how to coach and assist also. This wonderful experience would not have been possible without the continuous support of the USTA.”

The recent extreme heat waves cost participants two days of camp, but Michael-Razi said they still had “six remarkable days of growth and fun with tennis”.

She also thanked Sheila Reed for ensuring everything ran smoothly.