founded in 2016, SOUTHSIDE AREA TENNIS ASSOCIATION (SATA) HAS WORKED TO BUILD CHARACTER, DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS, AND PROMOTE ACTIVE LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE INSTRUCTION AND EDUCATION OF TENNIS.

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A 501(C)(3), SATA is comprised of tennis enthusiasts and community leaders centered on bringing families together through healthy physical activity and mentoring youth through the sport of tennis.

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Through SATA’s successes to date, the organization is now a recognized chapter of the USTA National Tennis and Learning (NJTL) program (www.ustafoundation.com/njtl_network). 


In addition to our mission to promote education attainment, our promotion of character development is taught through V.A.L.U.E.S. education. This education emphasizes six core principles:


        V. Victory in effort, not outcome
        A. Attitude
        L. Lead by example
        U. Uniquely gifted
        E. Embrace challenge
        S. Stay Strong!

 

the COACHES

the coaches

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RUSTY LOVELL

Coach, Program Director

Rusty Lovell is Director of Programming for SATA and a USPTA-certified tennis instructor in the Danville area. He currently works at Stratford Tennis Club and has over 10 years coaching experience with juniors and adults of all levels.

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Coach Rusty has been developing youth and adult tennis in southwestern VA over the past 3 years. His classes focus on energetic clinics using fun, game-based learning to peak interest and motivation.

the coaches

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EDDIE BLACKBURN

Coach

Coach Eddie Blackburn is a PTR-certified instructor with decades of experience working with adults & juniors of all levels.

 

Coach Eddie first started playing tennis in the National Junior Tennis & Learning Program led by Arthur Ashe in Philadelphia, PA.  He later played college tennis at St. Augustine's University and served our country in the U.S. military.

 

Coach Eddie is an integral part of SATA's coaching staff and advisory board. 

the BOARD