According to the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), there were 3.7 million homeschooled students in the United States during the 2020/2021 school year. From late March to early May of 2022, 5.22% of all school-age children were homeschooled.
Round Rock, Texas, was bustling with energy as the United States Tennis Association (USTA) made its presence felt at the Great Homeschool Convention last month. The convention, a fun and engaging experience packed with resources, workshops, and inspiring speakers, provided the perfect platform for USTA to showcase the numerous social, emotional, physical, and mental benefits of tennis for homeschoolers.
With homeschooling witnessing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% between 2016-2021, it has become a prevalent choice for families seeking tailored educational experiences. The Census Experimental Household Pulse survey revealed that homeschooling households doubled during the pandemic, further reinforcing the shift. The USTA’s presence at the convention was instrumental in fostering a sense of community and engagement for homeschoolers.
Derrick McCoy, a fervent advocate of tennis growth in Texas and the USTA Texas Junior Tournament Coordinator, led the charge. Homeschooled himself before earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oral Roberts University, McCoy’s passion for tennis and education made him an enthusiastic participant in the event.
Derrick McCoy: Tennis is more than just a game; it’s a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle and develop lifelong friendships.
Accompanied by USTA National staff members Tony Stingley, Senior Community Outreach Manager, and Louis Bolling, Community Outreach Manager, McCoy staffed a booth at the Kahalari Resort and Conventions exhibit hall, connecting with homeschooling families and sharing valuable insights about the sport and what the USTA has to offer. The convention’s timing proved particularly relevant, considering the surge in homeschooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With his unique perspective as a homeschool graduate, McCoy exemplified the opportunities available when embracing the benefits of homeschooling and combining it with his passion for sports and tennis. “Tennis not only builds athletic skills but also instills ethical and moral character in juniors and young adults, preparing them for life beyond the court,” said McCoy.
As the event drew to a close, the impact of USTA’s participation was evident in the growing interest among homeschoolers towards tennis. The association’s commitment to promoting the sport’s holistic advantages, including physical fitness, mental agility, and social interaction, resonated strongly with attendees. With states like North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia leading the homeschooling movement, the convention served as a testament to the expanding homeschooling landscape and its compatibility with sports and recreational activities like tennis.
USTA’s presence at the Great Homeschool Convention marked an essential step in championing tennis as a valuable tool in the education and development of homeschoolers. The passion, resources, and expertise shared by McCoy and the USTA team exemplify the association’s commitment to empowering the homeschooling community.
Becoming a junior member of the USTA is free, offering new members immediate access to becoming a part of a community of over 570,000 tennis fans, players, and enthusiasts. McCoy encourages youngsters to join, saying, “Being a part of the USTA community opens doors to countless opportunities and connections that can fuel their passion for tennis and forge lifelong friendships.”
Tennis would by far be the best possible ‘recess’ for kids being homeschooled and would also help with the socialization missed By being in the homeschool environment