When you walk into Ty Avolio's office in Jan Carell Field House, you know he's here to stay. The pictures are hung, the bookshelves are filled, the desk perfectly organized. Two guest chairs are ready and waiting for visitors; lamplight invites you to sit down and stay a while.

 

"I am a visual person," Ty shares. "I like to create an environment that is soothing, inviting, that you want to be in."

 

And that he does.

 

Ty Avolio is the newest addition to the Currey Ingram Academy athletics team. Thanks to a designated gift from a generous donor, Ty has come on board as the school's first full-time tennis director. He started in early January and is already making big plans.

 

"I think tennis can really be transformative for our students," he says, bouncing in his chair. "From kindergarten through high school, we are going to make sure that every student has the opportunity to really experience tennis at every level. It's a sport you can play for life."

 

Ty goes on to talk about the social, kinesthetic, motor and sensory skill benefits that come with tennis. He emotes about how tennis builds balance, coordination, confidence and strength. He shares that he has made it his business to meet with staff in every Division, across all levels, to learn as much as possible about how tennis can meet the needs of every student at CIA.

 

"I am so excited about all aspects of launching our program here," he says. "We can build a really strong beginner/developmental program, while also building a strong competitive program. Before you know it, we will be graduating kids with tennis scholarship offers. But better yet, every student at CIA will have a comprehensive tennis experience at their disposal. I know for a fact we can do this. Currey Ingram will establish an exceptional tennis program that will become a signature sport of the school."

 

If anyone can do it, Ty can.

 

Athletic director Kevin Carter and several CIA parents discovered Ty in the world of private instruction. Ty had taught tennis at the at Sevier Park Community Center since 2005, and had started a summer tennis camp there in 2007 aimed at introducing tennis to inner-city children. Since 2007, he has also been a private tennis professional and Junior Development Program assistant at the Maryland Farms YMCA. He holds a USPTA Level P2 certification and is a current USPTA and USTA member and a certified QuickStart Tennis instructor. In addition, he has worked with LOVE TENNIS in Nashville, an organization that offers therapeutic tennis lessons to children and adults with special needs.

 

"I just love tennis, but I also understand how difficult getting the hang of something new can be," he says. "I’ve always worked hard at learning sports, and I know I can help encourage our students to do the same. What gets one student inspired about a sport can be very different than what motivates another. I am so excited to learn exactly what makes each student tick and to meet him or her on that level."

 

Then he adds with a smile, "I make only two demands of every child, effort and patience. I can do the rest."

 

Ty shared a recent experience with CIA student Ben Davis, who he had been teaching privately in another environment for several years. They met on our campus for the first time.

 

"I saw Ben in a completely new light. CIA was his place. He was suddenly more confident, more talkative, a better player. How great to be able to teach CIA students a sport like tennis on their own home court. Every kid loves that feeling."

 

So, what does Ty have in store for students and parents? A lot. For starters, he will host an open house this spring to showcase the tennis program and to share more about his plans for tennis at CIA. Watch your Thursday folders, newsletters and the website for these details.

 

On March 5, Ty will host a USTA-led QuickStart Tennis clinic on campus. Parents and teachers who want to learn how to teach using the under-10 QuickStart Tennis method can attend for just $10 each. Details are in the flier linked to the right, or you can contact Ty with questions.

 

When the tennis program is in full swing, Ty envisions offering tennis via PE, afterschool clubs, private and family lessons, clinics and more. Immediately, he will begin working with the students in grades 5-12 who have signed up for the school's first-ever spring tennis teams. His plans also include hosting tournaments on our campus -- and much more.

 

"This is going to be so much fun," Ty shares, as we wrap up our meeting. "Whatever it takes, if it’s for the kids, I’m all in.”