Mountainside Tennis Allows Middle School-Aged Players to Learn

Mountainside’s Middle School Tennis Program saw its first action on Wednesday afternoon under the direction of the Mountainside Borough Recreation Department. The tennis program, which used to be sanctioned as a sport at Deerfield Middle School, was a casualty of educational budget cuts, causing it to be picked up by the township in time for this season.

Dave Phimsipasom, the head coach of the Mountainside Tennis program, is as happy as anyone else that the kids have an opportunity to still play a sport they enjoy.

“A lot of times they won’t have middle school tennis teams or middle school programs in general because they’re doing a lot of cuts,” said Phimsipasom. “As long as they have a team and someone coaching them and talent that is willing to play, that’s fine. That’s good for them.”

Although the eleven players who currently participate in the program have the opportunity to compete against children from other towns and school districts, the emphasis is on learning and enjoying the game of tennis.

“It’s not like high school where they have conferences. You don’t have to go through the NJSIAA or things like that,” said Phimsipasom. “Mostly, it’s just all doubles. It’s sort of a JV level.”

“It’s like an intro course to them before high school,” continued Phimsipasom.

Parents are also pleased with the outcome regarding the tennis program, which was challenging to put together at the outset of the program being cut from the middle school.

“Obviously, there’s always the exercise factor, but I also think tennis is the type of sport that you can play with all different types of people,” said Suzanne Streeter, a parent. “It can be a really family-oriented sport. I just think it’s a great thing to be able to play.”

Important, according to Streeter, is the opportunity for the children to learn from and challenge each other in competition.

“It’s fun; you can play all different levels. It’s not like, if you’re an advanced player, you need to play an advanced player. Even when you’re a beginner, it’s good to play somebody who’s better,” said Streeter. “It’s just a great sport, and I’m happy that we have it. Although it is pay-to-play, it’s well worth it. It’s worth it to have the kids out here playing and learning a sport that is still considered one of the few gentlemen sports.”

The players, of course, seem eager to continue learning themselves.

“Everyone comes to practice. They don’t skip; they like it,” said Phimsipasom. “This was our first match, so I guess it’s an eye-opener for them. We have a few beginners, a few veterans. They play, and that’s all that matters.”