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With great-grandmother Esther Smith and mother Latonya Moore-Mathis as keen observers July 18, Cherelle Moore thundered a serve at Barry Playground, 1800 Johnston St., and beamed a smile indicative of pride in her progress. Along with her twin brother Terell Moore, the 12-year-old resident of the 1500 block of Federal Street is fine-tuning her skills through the National Junior Tennis & Learning program, with their enrollment cementing their status as fourth-generation court connoisseurs.
“When I started, I thought tennis would be hard, but it just takes practice to get better,” Cherelle said as she and her sibling inspected their peers’ ground strokes at the Marconi recreational space. “I’m trying to improve every day, and it’s good to meet people who want me to do that.”
The Point Breeze dweller and her relative have fraternized with the similarly-aged youngsters since June 25, building on their spring involvement with the South Philadelphia Tennis Association’s Junior Team Tennis initiative. They learned of the latter through Bryan Hughes, who offered winter lessons to them and their friends at Edwin M. Stanton School, 1700 Christian St.
“They’ve come far and have impressed me with their growth,” the Passyunk Square resident and association founder said. “Plus, it’s really neat that they’ve been able to continue their family’s tradition as lovers of the game.”
Terell has thus far proven the more engaged tactician, but no matter their shot selection, he and his sister are giving their descendants gladness, especially Smith, who pioneered her clan’s engagement five decades ago.
“I followed the game and wanted to try my luck at it,” the West Philadelphian said of her days smacking balls against a wall at Vare Recreation Center, 2600 Morris St. “I had to have my start somewhere and since I liked it, I figured I would show my kids.”
Her son, Frank Jones, welcomed the wisdom and passed it along to his daughter, who became an NTJL enrollee at the East Falls-based Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education facility, now called Legacy Youth Tennis and Education.
“I really enjoyed being out there and learning,” Moore-Mathis, who has rekindled her interest thanks to her offspring, said. “Now with these guys, I’m finding it’s all they talk about.”
Prior to partnering with Hughes, whose coaching résumé includes successful high school and junior college stints in Texas, Terell and Cherelle had sated any court cravings by playing with kin in Baltimore. When he approached Stanton Principal Stacey Burnley last year about providing tutelage to her South-of-South pupils, they gladly signed up for formal training and have used their extended relationship with Hughes to improve more than their footwork and rackethead speed.
“Tennis keeps my energy up and helps me work on my character,” Terell, also the owner of a powerful serve, said. “I like playing the game and meeting people who feel the same.”
NJTL debuted in 1969 through the efforts of entrepreneur Sheridan Snyder, Ashe and fellow player Charlie Pasarell, who designed it to reach out to underprivileged children who, through its emphasis on developing self-esteem and sportsmanship, increase their athletic and interpersonal skills. Over their seven-week participation, this year’s registrants are learning about Ashe, the 19993 Presidential Medal of Freedom winner who remains the lone African-American male to win a major singles title, performing reading and reflective writing activities, entering art and essay contests and engaging in team and individual match play.
“It’s been wonderful seeing their commitment,” Smith said, with Moore-Mathis adding Terell and Cherelle have come to mimic their great-grandmother’s using a wall as an opponent by venturing to Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 744 S. 17th St. “I’m enthused that they’re enthused.”
Smith’s descendants are gradually accumulating knowledge of the sport, especially the contributions of African-Americans such as Ashe and Serena Williams, the top-ranked female and holder of 33 singles, doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam championships. Growing accustomed to handling pressure through their early slate of matches, Terell and Cherelle witnessed how professionals deal with the limelight Friday, as they joined Hughes and their contemporaries at The Pavilion at Villanova University for Mylan World TeamTennis action featuring the Philadelphia Freedoms.
“We’re definitely going to keep playing tennis as we get older,” Terell said. “We could end up becoming professionals. Who knows?”
As they head toward NTJL’s Aug. 8 conclusion, they are hoping to gain enough confidence to lead the Barry group, which last year finished as the City’s intermediate runner-up, to a championship. With Smith, Jones and Moore-Mathis as inspirations, they feel no worries about hitting crisp volleys or attacking second serves.
“It’s awesome,” Terell said of coming from such a committed family, members of which are trying to find ways to improve local courts and possibly construct others.
“I like that they support me,” Cherelle added. “I also like having a chance to play with my brother.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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