I hope you will enjoy an inside look at the tangible and meaningful difference our work is having on the kids we serve as told by our coaches themselves.
- John Wheaton, Executive Director
Vol. 1: Reading is Power!
"Coach Laura, remember at the beginning of the year when I never wanted to read? Now, I'm reading every time I'm here!"
- Maxton, 7 years old, Northside Legacy Program
Vol. 2: See What Tennis Can Do?
These students face so many challenges every day, but when they are able to connect with caring adults and mentors like our ICT coaches, volunteers, and tennis community, it can make a bigger difference than any of us will know.
- Coach Mason Bultje
Vol. 3: Our Youngest Players Celebrate and Inspire Our Coaches
Arthur and William are the best of friends. They live near each other and attend the same school in South Minneapolis. Together, they are learning to play tennis at InnerCity Tennis. Though they’re just beginning, Arthur and William love tennis and everything about it. They are 4 years old.
- Coach David Petersen
Vol. 4: Energy That Speaks Volumes
When I think about a special student we’ve impacted with our Outreach programming, one young player at the Nokomis-Wenonah campus jumps to mind. Our team delivers programming specifically designed for children on the autism spectrum at that site, and we’ve been doing so for 11 years now. This particular student has participated in our program for 3 years and is now 9 years old.
- Coach Dilcia Stromberg
Vol. 5: Perseverance Paving the Way to Player’s Goals
I admire Greta’s perseverance and enthusiasm on the court. Over the summer and fall she kept grinding away and her confidence grew. Her ability to focus on the long-term process even in the face of discouraging short-term outcomes has allowed her game to flourish.
- Coach Spencer Jones
Vol. 6: Enthusiastic Player Helps Elevate Others
When I first met Payton, it was very obvious that she was capable not only of being a great tennis player, but also of being a great leader for her group. Whenever I see her she always has a smile on her face.
- Coach Nick Dunivant
Vol. 7: From Turkmenistan to Minnesota
Due to her focus on the small details, she quickly excelled in the Advanced Green Ball program. She developed flawless technique that many who've coached her say reminds them of Roger Federer.
- Coach Ben Wheaton
Vol. 8: Coaching Provides a Front Row Seat to Children’s Joy
When I looked at them, I saw myself. I knew I was in the right place and in the right position with ICT.
- Coach Mason Bultje
Vol. 9: The Power of Perseverance On and Off Court
Tennis taught me how to keep my head up and persevere through hard matches, and it taught me how to walk through life with the same values I learned on the court.
- ICT Associate Board Member, Tori Sundholm
Vol. 10: What is the Northside Legacy Program? Why is it Important?
If we take a closer look at our community and assess what life looks like for different areas and neighborhoods of Minneapolis, we quickly realize there are many systemic disparities.
- Mason Bultje, Northside Program Coordinator
Vol. 11: Why Representation in Reading Matters
Children need to see and read about characters just like them. Representation matters. Black Lives Matter.
- ICT Education Programs Manager, Laura Myers
Vol. 12: Adapting & Persevering through High Performance Programs
In early June, our High Performance coaches saw the obstacles ahead of us and quickly adapted to develop a program that could continue to improve our players’ techniques and conditioning.
- Coach Spencer Jones
Vol. 13: Community Donations Provide Summer Activity Kits and Smiles for Northside Kids
Parents and kids were thrilled to receive these Summer Activity Kits filled with items that will enhance students’ education, tennis skills and nutrition.
- ICT Education Programs Manager, Laura Myers
Vol. 14: Excellence Team Assembles Kidspeed Kits for Minneapolis Youth
ICT Excellence Team members assembled 40 Kidspeed® Kits to share with kids around Minneapolis who are interested in learning the game but do not have any tennis equipment.
- ICT Education Programs Manager, Laura Myers
Vol. 15: Northside Programs Get Kids Excited About Tennis, Learning and Vegetables!
This summer may have provided its fair share of challenges, but nevertheless, our Northside Summer program was a huge success! For 8 weeks, students came to our Northside site at V3 Sports for two hours of reading, educational support, health & wellness activities, track & field lessons, and, of course, tennis!
- Mason Bultje, Northside Program Coordinator
Vol. 16: InnerCity Tennis & Learning Program Enrollment Explodes Volunteers are Needed Urgently
Children need to connect with caring adults and socialize with their friends, but some are unable to do so effectively with distance learning. While families with more financial resources can hire tutors or have a parent stay home to assist their children, working-class families lack those options. Many are essential workers with limited flexibility both in their daily schedules and finances. They also fear that the large education gap in Minneapolis will only worsen as a result. All children deserve to have caring adults in their lives and to have opportunities to learn and grow into bright and hope-filled young people...
- Mason Bultje, Northside Program Coordinator