Bibb County tennis and pickleball manager Bobby Walker said tennis undeservingly gets the reputation of being a sport exclusively for people with money. He believes tennis is inclusive to all, and he hopes that through his work, more people can be inspired to try the sport.
“One of the things my staff has worked hard on is making tennis less expensive and more accessible, and we believe that’s a big deal,” Walker said. “People want lessons, they need lessons, but we also need the ability for someone who maybe can’t afford a couple hundred dollars a month to do lessons or doesn’t want to.”
Through Walker’s work at the facilities he oversees, he implements different ways to get more people onto the courts for cheaper.
One example is the free mixers that are hosted at Randy Stephens Tennis Center, where organized play is offered for participants. Another is a discounted mixer hosted on the Friday after Thanksgiving at John Drew Smith Tennis Center. This event runs from 10 a.m. to noon.
Walker is inspired to make these events more accessible because of his upbringing in Macon.
“I grew up in a lower-middle-income family and never had a tennis lesson. I grew up in South Macon, as a matter of fact,” Walker said. “And tennis is very inclusive, welcoming to all.”
He hopes that through his work as a manager and a coach, he’s able to spread the message that tennis is a sport open to all who are interested.
In addition to making the sport more accessible, Walker says tennis is a way for people to navigate their problems through physical activity.
“Everybody has a problem or some kind that they’re trying to navigate. And if you have something you can play a couple of hours a day, three or four days a week that gets your mind off of that, then, then, then that’s what kind of makes my job fulfilling,” Walker said.
Walker said he also enjoys helping others by improving their tennis game.
“The greatest power you can have is helping others. You know, my job, my talent is,” Walker said. “The great, the great power, whether it’s business or your personal life, is if you’re if you are able to help others and even more get joy out of helping others.” For those interested in getting involved, the John Drew Smith Tennis Center and the Randy Stephens Tennis Center are two public tennis facilities in Macon.
