IWA ACES A NEW SPORTS TEAM

For the past decade, Athletics Director Rick Perez hoped and prayed that he could bring a tennis team to IWA. Inquiries about the sport were increasing each year, from both current students and prospective families. Finally, with an extra push from Anna Gardner ‘23, the new era of tennis at IWA arrived.

Anna remembers that she asked about a tennis team when she first toured IWA as a middle-school student. The senior, who lives in north Houston, plays after school and on weekends at Giam malva Racquet Club’s academy. After she enrolled at IWA, she kept asking Coach Perez to bring the sport to the 609.

The stars aligned when Anna started a school Tennis Club and the popularity of the sport grew among the students. Last year, she made a presentation and pitch to President Lauren Beck, C.V.I., who agreed the sport would be a valuable addition to the school in its 150th year. Coach Perez and Student Dean Stacey Kornegay created a budget and logistics plan, says Anna. This year, College Counseling Director Dr. Talia Pennington-Dorsey and Social Studies teacher Mr. Joseph Schiller signed on to coach.

The Falcons’ inaugural tennis team began practices at MacGregor Park in January. “We love the facility–and it’s a quick ride on the bus to get there,” says Anna, team captain. “There are several well-maintained courts, and we have the whole back area to ourselves each afternoon. Even as a senior, I’ve made new friends from other grades who joined the team.” Noting the interest from freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, she predicts, “The future looks bright for IWA tennis!”