Tennis

Let’s be honest, when you think of school sports, your mind probably jumps to football games under the lights, soccer tournaments, basketball tryouts, or maybe even track meets. But you know what sport deserves way more love in school programs than it usually gets? Tennis.

Yep, tennis.

Now, before you shrug and think, “Isn’t that the sport people play quietly at country clubs?”, hear me out. Tennis is way more fun, way more accessible, and way more valuable than it gets credit for and schools across the country are totally missing out by not giving it a proper spot in their sports lineup.

Let’s talk about why.

1. Tennis is a Lifetime Sport

This one’s huge. Unlike high-impact sports like football or even competitive gymnastics, tennis is something you can play at almost any age. Whether you're 9 or 90, you can still hit the court and have a good time.

That makes tennis incredibly valuable for students. When schools offer tennis early on, they’re not just giving kids a sport to enjoy in high school they’re giving them a lifelong skill. It becomes a healthy, social, active hobby they can keep going well into adulthood.

And trust me, when you hit your 30s or 40s and are looking for ways to stay fit without injuring yourself, that tennis knowledge is gold.

2. It Builds Serious Mental Grit

Tennis isn’t just about swinging a racket around and hoping for the best. It’s mentally demanding in the best possible way.

In singles matches especially, players are out there alone with no teammates to pass the ball to or lean on for support. You’ve gotta learn to stay calm under pressure, analyze your opponent’s strategy, and bounce back from mistakes fast.

Those lessons? They go way beyond the court. Tennis teaches students resilience, patience, and how to think strategically in the moment, all super useful in school, life, and any career they choose down the line.

3. It’s Surprisingly Affordable (Seriously)

Let’s bust a myth right now: tennis doesn’t have to be expensive.

Sure, if you're going pro and traveling internationally for tournaments, yeah, it adds up. But for a school program? Tennis is one of the most cost-effective sports out there.

You don’t need fancy gear. Just a few rackets, some tennis balls, and access to a court (which many schools already have or can build pretty affordably). No helmets, no pads, no constant gear replacement like in football or hockey.

And maintenance? A well-made court can last for years with basic upkeep. You’re not dealing with muddy fields or expensive equipment storage.

Fun fact: It probably costs more annually to keep the gym HVAC running smoothly than to fund a tennis program. (And if your school's been meaning to fix that musty smell in the locker room, maybe they should look into air duct cleaning Sandy, just sayin’.)

4. Tennis is for Everyone

You don’t have to be tall, muscular, or a cardio beast to be good at tennis. It's a sport that celebrates different body types, personalities, and styles.

Some kids thrive on power. Others rely on precision. Some are baseline warriors, others love rushing the net. Tennis gives players a chance to develop their own unique approach instead of forcing them into a one-size-fits-all mold.

That inclusivity is amazing in a school setting, where kids are still figuring out who they are and what they’re good at. Not everyone is cut out for football or volleyball but tennis welcomes everyone to give it a shot.

5. It's Less Risky Injury-Wise

Let’s face it, kids get hurt in sports. Sprains, concussions, broken bones… it’s all part of the game, right?

But tennis? It’s way safer.

Sure, injuries can still happen like with any physical activity but it’s generally a low-contact, low-risk sport. You’re not getting tackled by a 200-pound linebacker or taking elbows to the face on a basketball court.

That’s a win for schools (less liability), a win for parents (less worrying), and a win for kids (more confidence to try something new without the fear of getting hurt).

6. Great for Physical and Mental Health

We all know kids need more movement, especially with all the screen time these days. Tennis gets their bodies moving, hearts pumping, and muscles working without being overwhelming.

And the mental health benefits? Oh yeah, they’re real.

Tennis helps reduce stress, improves focus, and releases all those feel-good endorphins. For teens juggling exams, friendships, and social media pressures, getting on the court can be a powerful outlet.

It’s just the right mix of physical challenge and mental escape, which is exactly what so many students need.

7. Tennis is Social—Even When It’s Solo

Yes, singles matches are one-on-one, but don’t let that fool you tennis is a super social sport.

Kids build friendships through team practices, doubles matches, and tournaments. They learn teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship, even when they’re technically “alone” on the court.

Plus, it’s one of the easiest sports to continue socially after school ends. Adult leagues, community centers, and even local parks offer pick-up games and events all the time.

It’s like the gift that keeps on giving once you know how to play, you’ve got a fun, social activity for life.

8. It Promotes Diversity and Global Thinking

Tennis isn’t just a local sport. It’s global.

When kids play tennis, they’re stepping into a sport that spans countries, cultures, and continents. Watching international players like Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, or Carlos Alcaraz teaches students about different cultures, traditions, and playing styles.

For schools looking to promote diversity and inclusion, tennis is a perfect fit. It opens kids up to a whole world beyond their hometown and gets them thinking globally.

9. It Levels the Playing Field

One of the cool things about tennis is how much it depends on skill over size.

In football or basketball, physical dominance can sometimes be the whole game. But in tennis? Strategy, footwork, timing, and mental toughness often matter more than brute strength.

That means kids who may not shine in traditional team sports can still excel and feel confident on the tennis court. It gives everyone a fair shot to succeed.

10. It’s Just… Fun

Okay, let's not forget the most important reason tennis should be a school staple: it’s a blast.

There’s something addictive about that thwack of the ball, the satisfying rhythm of a rally, and the drama of a tie-breaker. It’s competitive, sure, but also kind of peaceful. Focused. Energizing.

And once kids get the basics down? They’re hooked. Many students who try tennis for the first time say things like, “Why didn’t I start this sooner?”

That’s why tennis programs need to start in school, so kids get the chance to experience it early and fall in love with the game.

11. Easy to Learn, Hard to Master (And That’s Awesome)

Tennis has that sweet spot of being easy to pick up, but hard to master.

A total beginner can grab a racket and rally a few balls within an hour or two. That quick success builds confidence. But as kids progress, they realize there’s a lot of depth, spin, angles, court positioning, match psychology.

That’s what keeps it exciting. There’s always room to grow. Always another skill to sharpen. Always another level to reach.

It’s a sport that evolves with you, which is perfect for students who are learning and changing every day.

12. Perfect for All Seasons (Almost)

Unlike sports tied to one season, tennis can be played most of the year.

In warm areas, you can play outdoors all the time. In colder regions? Indoor courts are easy to find and maintain. It doesn’t require massive indoor arenas or costly maintenance. Just a net, some lines, and a bit of space.

That flexibility means tennis doesn’t need to compete with other seasonal sports, it can fit right in year-round.

13. Tennis Teaches Emotional Control

One thing you’ll hear a lot from experienced tennis players is how much the game helped them manage emotions.

Lose a point? You have to shake it off. Frustrated? You still need to serve. Feeling unbeatable? Stay humble, one bad game can flip everything.

It’s a sport that forces you to stay level-headed, no matter what’s happening. And let’s be real, that’s a lesson all students could benefit from on the court, in the classroom, and in life.

14. It Opens Doors

Believe it or not, tennis can lead to some serious opportunities.

There are scholarships out there, lots of them. Colleges are always scouting for players, especially in places where tennis isn’t as common. That means a solid high school program can be the first step toward a college education paid for with a racket and some grit.

Even beyond scholarships, tennis helps build impressive resumes. It shows dedication, focus, and the ability to work solo and in teams. Those are qualities that colleges (and future employers) love to see.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Rethink What School Sports Can Be

Look, there’s nothing wrong with the usual suspects football, basketball, volleyball. They’re great. But schools need to stop treating tennis like the forgotten middle child of the sports family.

Tennis is fun, accessible, affordable, safe, inclusive, and full of lifelong benefits. It builds mental and physical strength, teaches emotional resilience, and brings people together in a way that few other sports can.