PO‘IPU — Reuben Orial believes sports is the best way to keep his daughter, Shay-Lee, out of trouble. “We gave up karate for tennis,” Orial said. “It keeps her busy and she loves it.” She’s not alone. More and more
PO‘IPU — Reuben Orial believes sports is the best way to keep his daughter, Shay-Lee, out of trouble.
“We gave up karate for tennis,” Orial said. “It keeps her busy and she loves it.”
She’s not alone.
More and more youths are taking advantage of a rising United States Tennis Association Kaua‘i Jr. Tennis team.
“It’s cool,” team member Manas Kshirsagar said. “There’s really nowhere else to play tennis and compete. It’s an all-around sport and when we compete here, we learn sportsmanship and gain friendships.”
As coaches, Darlene Joseph, James Hasenyager and Tammie Quinlan are sometimes thought of as the miracle workers behind the scenes.
“We emphasize team spirit and stress sportsmanship,” Joseph said. “It’s not about winning or losing — that’ll come with time — but we want to teach these kids about being great people.”
In just a few years, the trio has managed to resurrect a fledgling program and turn it into a competitive squad.
Each year, a Kaua‘i team captured at least one state title.
“It seems like every time we go up there, we win,” Hasenyager said.
Joseph, who started playing tennis 10 years ago, handles the emotional and mental sides of the sport.
Hasenyager, a former University of Hawai‘i player, focuses on the skills, and Quinlan is the in-between coach, dabbling in both areas.
“We work together really well and the kids see and appreciate that,” Quinlan said.
The team meets almost every Saturday in summer at the Kiahuna Swim and Tennis Club.
“It’s good experience for the kids,” Joseph said. “They learn a lot about themselves when they travel off-island for tournaments.”
On Aug. 5, the squad will host a tennis day on the island, with Mililani players adding to the mix.
“It’s important to get them exposed to other players who have more skills,” Joseph said. “That way, they can improve and learn from top-notch players from around the state.”
One of the main goals of the club is to help students earn scholarships.
“The kids will always have the game with them — even when they’re 70,” Quinlan said. “Getting to Wimbledon isn’t important; instead, if they grow with education and learn sportsmanship, that’s way better.”
And with Joseph, Hasenyager and Quinlan behind them, Kaua‘i Jr. Tennis should be in great hands.
For more information or to get involved with Kaua‘i Jr. Team Tennis, contact Darlene at 651-0816.
