Kelly Hamelin has always loved tennis. The 12-year-old middle school student’s adoration of the sport put her in contact with a tennis champ Thursday.
That’s when the U.S. Tennis Association National Junior Tennis League regional rallies took place at the MSU tennis courts near Wilson Hall with professional tennis star Todd Martin - a former East Lansing resident - as the special guest speaker and coach.
Although there was plenty to do, many were most impressed with Martin’s appearance.
“I’m very excited,” Hamelin said. “He came last year, but I did not get a chance to see him. I think it influences kids to achieve what they are working for.”
The summer program offered children ages 7-17 the chance to break out their tennis rackets and participate in activities such as open-court games, doubles games, ball machine practices and serving tips.
“In the tennis profession, there is not a lot of down time,” said Henry Brunnschweiler, director of the Todd Martin Development Fund. “So it is pretty cool that he is here.”
Born in Hinsdale, Ill., Martin moved to Lansing at the age of 10. He earned a tennis scholarship to Northwestern and was ranked No. 1 nationally by his sophomore year with the Wildcats. As a pro, he is a two-time semifinalist in the U.S. Open and also reached the semis at Wimbledon in 1994. His individual titles include wins at the Sydney Open in 1996 and 1999.
Martin told the group before the tennis activities started that he feels sports and junior leagues are important to the younger community.
“This is a great opportunity to introduce kids to the sport and to other kids,” Martin said during the event.
Several parents commended Martin for giving back to the community and urged other athletes to follow his lead.
“My children really enjoy this,” Grand Ledge resident Laurrie Schafer said. “It would be nice if more sports athletes did what Todd did.”
Martin has a long history of charity work. In 1994, he started the Todd Martin Development Fund, which donates to the junior tennis league. In 1999, the charity surpassed its original financial goal and was able to branch out its Leadership Development Program, which helps nearly 300 Lansing students get into sports programs.
This year, aside from being a guest at the rally, signing autographs and answering questions, Martin accompanied a group of the children to the Detroit Zoological Institute on Wednesday.
Lansing Community College student and junior tennis league volunteer Stacey Kelley has first-hand experience with Martin’s charity. As a middle school student, Kelley participated in the tennis league and met Martin. After telling him she was interested in the school’s band program, but did not have an instrument of her own, Martin purchased a trombone for her.
“It was a total surprise,” she said. “I couldn’t believe he did it.
“It’s good to see him again this year and surprising that he is still so committed.”
