Renaissance Tennis Group Serves up Success at Neighborhood Parks

When it comes to the level of fan interest for sports in southwest Atlanta, nothing rivals the passion behind football, basketball, and to some degree, baseball.

However, if one was to scratch beneath the surface, lurking in the rear and gaining momentum is tennis.

Just this past spring, ’s boys’ squad became the first predominately black team to advance to the state championship match in Georgia. But the Lions aren’t the only group creating a tennis buzz in the community.

The Renaissance Tennis Group (RTG) is a grassroots organization that is exposing people to the sport are grooming athletes with the hopes of transforming southwest Atlanta into the next hotbed for tennis in the metro area.

Tennis activities with the RTG are held yearlong at Washington Park and the McGee Tennis Center where participants receive hands-on instructions from a veteran coaching staff led by Jerome Coxton, Antonio Bogat, Terry Alexander, who also serves as head coach at Morehouse College, and head man, William “Wink” Fulton Jr.

Players are divided into various groups based on their skill levels. The divisions include Quick Start, which is for players eight to 10-years-old and under, Juniors, which features teens, and Adults.

The RTG plays a key role in reviving these neighborhood institutions with healthy social events that help promote the sport and their mission to enrich the community. Members use these gatherings to exercise, network and show off their talents on the court.

“I live, work and play in this community,” said Fulton. “There is an automatic connection with the community. We use the facilities as gathering spots for people to network. It’s a family atmosphere for adults and children to play together.”

During training, players of all levels work on a variety of intense conditioning drills to improve agility, strength, technique and strategy for successful matches.

For the youngsters involved, the RTG not only provides an outlet for physical training and conditioning, but it allows for athletes to sharpen their skills with the hopes of landing a college scholarship.

“I use tennis primarily teach life skills and help kids supplement their education for college. These are things we are committed to doing. We want to give kids a healthy activity and help them secure college scholarships,” said Fulton.

Among the upcoming events include round robin tournaments and speed dating outing in February for Valentine’s Day during which potential couples will have the chance to share their love tennis while getting know each other on a personal level.  

The RTG’s presence in the community and their tennis-related events holds a special place in the hearts of those involved, especially for Dawn Brockington-Shaw, who not only helps out with administrative duties, but also uses the facilities for extracurricular bonding with her children.

“The McGee Tennis Center is right around the corner from me. That means I have a place where I can go and take my children and relax while playing tennis. We’re in a great environment to socialize. We’re having fun and being physically active,” said Brockington-Shaw.