Brazil native Lucia van der Hyde hosted a meet-and-greet at Jemison Park Saturday. Bob Crisp
On Saturday, the Brazil native hosted a meet and greet which brought a group of tennis players to the newly renovated Jemison Park.
“I had a few kids come and many people came,” von der Hayde said. “I had some friends from Sylacauga come. We had a kid (Jonathan Vick) that just signed a scholarship and is going to play at North Alabama. I taught him, hit him balls and did many different drills with him. He came here to play with a friend. We had quite of bit of fun.”
Von der Hayde hopes to share her knowledge of the game for years to come in Talladega. She will host a Summer Tennis Camp at the Talladega Parks and Recreation Center and hopes to develop the youth in through in the junior program.
“I am looking forward to developing a junior program where kids work hard, learn sportsmanship, have fun, gain pride and self esteem thereby making a difference in lives,” von der Hayde said. I know there are some players here in Talladega that have the talent to get a scholarship. I teach with passion and positively, because I love this game.”
She came to the US in 1979 where she went to play on a full scholarship to the University of South Alabama. As a freshman she went 26-1 in doubles.
Von der Hayde won 17 open tournaments in singles and tournaments in France, Germany and South Africa. Von der Hayde learned about the opportunity in Talladega from [error deleted] Tony Capps.
“I know Tony Capps and he told me about here,” von der Hayde. “He said that they are going to resurface the courts. I came over here to talk to them and I really like the facility. It looks great and they really improved it.”
Von der Hayde plans to hold lessons for all different ages. She said that the game of tennis can be enjoyed as early as the age of four at the way until 80.
“It’s my turn to give back to the game,” von der Hayde said. “Tennis is a game that can be played at any age. It is a lot of fun and it is great exercise. It is a pleasure to serve Talladega.”
For more information about tennis lessons or group tennis lessons call Brian Hutton at 256-362-0514 or email Lucia von der Hayde at luciawolfgang@att.net.
Contact LaVonte Young at lyoung@dailyhome.com.
