Former tennis players or those looking to learn the sport of tennis at Siena Heights University are in luck: the Siena Heights Tennis Association is looking for new members to join its group.

The group is headed by President Rachel Turkovich and welcomes those of all skill levels ranging from beginner to experienced to join in on the fun.

Matt Fitzgerald, a SHU senior, is currently in his second year as a member of the association and assists Turkovich with many of the club’s activities.

“The tennis association has been here for a while, shortly after Siena Heights got rid of their tennis program,” Fitzgerald said. “A bunch of people still like to play tennis, so the Tennis Association provides them with that opportunity.”

When the weather is nice at the beginning and end of the academic school year, the club will play at the tennis courts at Adrian College. Even in the frigid winter temperatures, however, the club still finds a way to play.

“There are actually tennis courts on two of the basketball courts,” Fitzgerald said. “I helped Rachel to get the nets for us to play in the fieldhouse. They even have the lines for them.”

In just the past year, the association has grown rapidly, growing from eight members to 25 members. Due to the large increase in involvement, Fitzgerald claims the club is hoping to have some large individual tournaments come spring time.

For Fitzgerald, the club brings back memories of his time as a competitive tennis player back in high school.

“Just being able to play tennis again has been so enjoyable for me,” he said.

The association, however, is not just limited to those with a lot of experience in the game. In fact, the club highly recommends anyone interested in learning the sport of tennis to join immediately.

“Some of our members played in high school,” Fitzgerald said, “but some just want to try it out and have never really played before. It’s for all levels.”

Those who join the club as beginners will be coached and assisted by those who have been in the sport for a long time.

“The purpose of the association is to continuously promote the sport of tennis,” Fitzgerald said.

Currently, the group is operated primarily through an open Facebook group titled “Siena Heights Tennis Association.” Anyone interested in joining the Tennis Association should express their interest by joining the Facebook group. For those who do not have Facebook, it is important to get in contact with either Fitzgerald or Turkovich.

“We will randomly post about meeting up to play tennis, and anyone that’s in the group and wants to join can,” Fitzgerald said. “That’s basically the premise of how we meet up.”