Rheanna Henson

With her bright smile and charismatic personality, Rheanna Henson is an example of  everything that the Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation hopes to encompass. Rheanna, a former participant of MTEF, enjoyed the program so much that she chose to return as an instructor.  Rheanna also had the opportunity to speak at the 2008 MTEF Tennis Ball, giving a compelling speech for all in attendance.  

Five years ago, Rheanna began playing tennis with MTEF at Sherman Park. Rheanna felt strongly about giving back to the program that provided her with a great deal of tennis, academic and life skills.  She finds that changing the kids' lifestyles is the most rewarding part of working for MTEF. Through the First Serve Program, students are taught life skills to assist them both on and off the tennis courts.  Rheanna wanted to add to the students' education by providing advice and guidance for all students in the program.

In her second year working for MTEF, Rheanna is the current fitness instructor at Sherman Park, in addition to assisting with tennis drills.  Fitness is a new addition to the programming at Sherman Park this year, partly because of ten fitness stations donated to the facility for Sherman Park Day III on May 30, 2009.  As an accomplished gymnast, Rheanna understands the importance of all-around athleticism, like endurance, flexibility and strength. Rheanna points out, "The fitness stations really add to the active part of tennis, and kids understand how important to their health it is to be athletic."

"It is evident," adds Rheanna, "that the players are benefiting from the fitness and life skill portions."  Rheanna loves keeping all the kids healthy and focused throughout their time with MTEF.