To provide the underserved youth of Saint Paul and their families, the life-long game of tennis and character-building life skills. Our goal is to enrich the lives of the urban youth of Saint Paul, by teaching life skills that encourage healthy eating, reading and healthy life styles through the game of tennis.
We are an all-inclusive program
We welcome everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnic background, abilities, or income.
"We do not turn anyone away because of an inability to pay"
The History of SPUT
The Saint Paul Urban Tennis Program began in 1991 when a group of Saint Paul tennis enthusiasts had a goal to bring tennis and important life-skills to the underserved urban youth of Saint Paul. Here you'll learn how SPUT got its start, and the many generous people and organizations that came together to make it happen.
Forging Critical Partnerships with Saint Paul Communities and Organizations
The success of SPUT, especially in it's early days happened because of it's partnership with several Saint Paul communities, including the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, and The Saint Paul School district. Along with these communities, early partnerships with organizations and corporations allows SPUT to become the largest inner city program of its kind in the U.S.
SPUT Yearly Statistics: From 125 kids to 3,000+ per year!
Here you'll get an idea of just how much SPUT has grown over the past 18 years. We'll give you statistics each year since 1991 that includes; number of participants, number of sites, staff totals, Budget amounts, and how many kids received scholarships (financial support)
Becky comes to SPUT after nearly ten years working for USTA Northern, most recently as Director of Tennis Programs & Services, where she managed a team of five direct reports and several key initiatives. Prior to that, she taught tennis in both a public park and country club setting while playing tennis for the Mounds View Mustangs and UW-LaCrosse Eagles. She has a degree in Secondary Education and Spanish, is a member of the USTA's Adjunct Faculty, and is a certified PTR Professional. Her favorite tennis player is Rafael Nadal and a few of her favorite books are The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
The success of any non-profit organization is largely due to the strength and ongoing support of it's Board of Directors--SPUT is no exception to this rule. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated Board that continues to invest their time, talent and resources to make SPUT what it is today.
