Tennis players Francis Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz visited students in the Greater Enrichment Program (GEP) on Dec. 3. Students had an opportunity to participate in a tennis clinic in Merry Oaks International Academy’s gymnasium as well as ask questions and win prizes.

“Yesterday’s event was intended to get students excited about the tournament,” said Margaret Hinson, dean of students at Merry Oaks. “The students were incredibly excited to have the players here and have the opportunity to play with them.” 

GEP is an after-school program that operates in five Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools elementary schools and provides access to a variety of opportunities and experiences during the school year and the summer around academics, enrichment and social and emotional learning.

Bronica Glover, executive director of GEP, said that tennis has been a staple in GEP’s programming for several years with hopes that students will grow to love the sport, play when they get to high school and earn scholarships. Wednesday’s event was in partnership with Calvin Davis of the Davis Tennis Foundation and the National Junior Tennis League. 

“We give them access to tennis to hopefully spark something in them,” said Glover. In addition to tennis, students have learned about other sports including lacrosse and girl’s rugby. 

Tiafoe and Fritz’s visit comes ahead of the Charlotte Invitational Tennis Tournament on Dec. 4 that several CMS students in GEP were invited to attend.