Story by Dustin Edwards

The New Mexico State University Tennis Club is an organization that meets weekly, providing its members practice, camaraderie and an opportunity to play tennis competitively.

Humble beginnings

Tennis Club President Ashley Redman started the club in 2007, as there were few opportunities for tennis enthusiasts to play to casually at NMSU.

“The club started really laid-back,” Redman said. “But then we started going to tournaments.”

Redman said the club is now part of the United States Tennis Association, which allows the club to compete with similar organizations at other universities.

The club also has an experienced coach, Aubrey Island, who leads practices for the club. Island, a computer science student, is also the vice president of the club.

More than a club

“It’s not just a club, you’re part of a team,” Redman said. “You’re out there playing.”

Redman said the club has more than 90 members registered to its Web site. She said about 20 people regularly participate in its weekly Sunday afternoon meeting.

Redman said the main purpose of the club is to give people a chance to play tennis competitively.

“Many of the members played in high school,” she said.

Club members Melinda Lang and Lindsey Green get ready to serve at a practice match. (Photo by Dustin Edwards)

Meeting times

Advanced members meet at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoons at the NMSU Tennis Center, which is behind the Fulton Center. An intermediate and beginning group meets at the courts at 4 p.m. on Sundays.

“We work on developing skills,” Island said. “I help with the coaching and trying to get everybody focused.”

Perks

Island said there are many perks that active club members may utilize. Among them are:

-       Opportunity to travel

-       Formal practice

-       Chance to improve game

-       Deals on re-stringing rackets