Alexa Roth // Contributing Writer
The Wellness and Recreation Center at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus is offering free tennis instruction to students from beginner to advanced levels. Instructor Tom Fowkes, has been teaching tennis for almost 15 years, with 10 years working full time.
Fowkes teaches kids and adults in addition to FIU students. He instructs a student who has won four national championships, and has coached other tournament players, too.
Fowkes decided to teach at FIU because “It gives him a chance to expand his program and work with college students.” He says he has formed many relationships with the students that attend the program and the faculty and staff at FIU.
Fowkes accommodates those on different levels and says “keeping everyone interested is the main idea, and I keep the instruction informative and light so that way everyone can get something out of it.”
“As a student, it’s great that it’s offered to us for free, and what I enjoy the most is Tom’s personality,” William Sturrup, a participant in Fowkes’ program, said. “He is a nurturing, attentive, and motivates students to come out and do their best.”
Sturrup also stated that his technique has improved significantly as well as his endurance.
FIU student Remy Miller said: “Tom really plays attention to detail. For example, he noticed my stance on my serve had to be corrected, which improved a lot through practice with Tom.”
Fowkes is grateful to have formed such a strong relationship with the faculty and staff at the FIU Wellness and Recreation center, particularly with Director Elias Bardawill and Assistant Director Warren Shaw.
The tennis program will take place every Thursday from 6-7 p.m. at the Biscayne Bay Campus and will last until July 28. Fowkes’ passion for tennis is shown through his successful tennis program here at FIU.
Whether you are just starting to play tennis or in need of extra practice time, this program helps students improve techniques and gives students an opportunity to meet new people who want to learn the game of tennis, too.
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