Emory University head women’s tennis coach Amy
Bryant is one of four people who will be recognized by the
Atlanta Youth Tennis Foundation when the organization holds the
inaugural “Serving Winners: A Celebration of Women’s
Tennis” Awards. The luncheon and program will begin at
noon this Friday, July 15, at the offices of King & Spalding,
1180 Peachtree Street, in Atlanta.
The Atlanta Youth Tennis Foundation has provided afterschool tennis
& educational programming to more than 10,000 children since
1999. The focus behind Friday’s event is to celebrate
women who have made an impact on the youth of Atlanta and the sport
of tennis.
Bryant recently wrapped up her 12th year at the helm of
the Eagles program, guiding the squad to a dual record of 23-5
along with a third-place national finish. She’s only
the fifth person and first female in NCAA history, in any division,
to win the national team championship as a coach and player. She
did the former in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 and the latter as the
No. 1 singles and doubles player on Emory's 1996 national
championship team. When asked about Coach Bryant, AYTF
Director of Community Development & Programs Cee Jai Jones
said, “Amy is so special. She’s brought her
players out to spend time with our kids and they’ve really
made a positive impression on their tennis and attitudes. The
kids see Amy and the players as role models they can be proud
of.”
Others receiving recognition for their contributions include Monica
Pearson of WSB-TV, Karin Korb, a professional wheelchair
tennis tour, and Gloria Wallace, who has provided 18 years of
service to the USTA including two terms as President of USTA
Atlanta. Serving as the host for the awards ceremony will be
actor Boris Kodjoe
The AYTF, a non-profit organization, is an NJTL Capacity
Building Program and partner in the pilot Georgia Afterschool
Tennis and Education effort. In 2010, AYTF became an official
First Serve Chapter which incorporates a Life Skills Curriculum
into the tennis program. AYTF is currently in 25 after school
and summer sites with over 2,500 youth ages 5-18 receiving homework
assistance, mentoring, nutrition education, and tennis
instruction.
To purchase tickets and to learn more about the organization,
please visit -- aytf.usta.com/servingwinners.