Moms Make Racket About Tennis

We know exercise is “good” for us; all the experts tell us so. But does that make you want to do it after a long day at work and with the kids?

Some Powder Springs moms, like Carol Tamaris, would say yes—if it’s tennis. “I play around the home community, a game here and there. It’s fun, and it’s a good workout."

Vickie Williams agrees. She’s the assistant superintendant of recreation programs for Paulding County, as well as a mom, grandma and occasional tennis player. 

“We see lots of moms in our tennis programs," she explains. "They go in for some fun, some time away from the kids, and they become repeat customers. They make friendships with other women during their lessons.”

Williams oversees Taylor Farm Park, which is part of Paulding County Parks & Recreation but has a Power Springs address. It's where Tom Evans teaches tennis camps and classes and gives private lessons. 

“We stress that this is not work, this is fun,” Evans says. “You don’t have to have experience. We take ages 3 to 93—all abilities. We even have wheelchair players.”

Evans is convinced that part of the reason moms get into tennis is because “it’s the only time they’re on their own, having fun, getting exercise.” 

He has a new set of classes starting at Taylor Farm on Tuesday. He also strings rackets for some students. “It’s important to have a well-strung racket,” he stresses.   

Over at 's tennis center, coach Andrew Simmons sees moms and grandmothers coming in every day, “sometimes with kids, sometimes for themselves.” He adds that students who come to the center are of all different skill levels.

“We get kids to grandmoms coming in to learn or expand their skills," he says. "I’d say at least 40 women per day are in here. It’s a nice break from the kids."

Evans says many of the women he instructs become members of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association. 

“I see a lot of women developing strong friendships through ALTA," he adds.

There are plenty of places to pick up a racket and play in Powder Springs. Public courts are available at on Macedonia Road, Browns Farm on First Cotton Drive, Taylor Farms Park on Pine Valley Road, on New Macland Road, and on Luther Ward Road.