Teachers honored by tennis league

Teachers Ed Larli and Louise Gonzalez were recently honored by the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL) for their contributions to introducing students to the sport during its annual kickoff gala.
“They do an outstanding job every day in our schoolyard program,” NYJTL President and CEO Gary Davis said of the teachers and principals who were honored. “These teachers were selected because they were the best of the best.”
NYJTL was founded in 1970. Through its Schoolyard Tennis Program, tennis is brought to gym classes and after school programs. There are currently 300 programs throughout the city.
Larli, a teacher at P.S. 112, began attending NYJTL workshops about seven years ago in order to learn how to incorporate tennis lessons into physical education lessons. He said that along with providing equipment and lesson plans, they also have developers come to the school to assist.
“They [the students] love it,” Larli said. “It’s something different they don’t usually get to do.”
Larli said that he was very surprised to find out that he had been selected to be honored and that it felt good to be recognized.
Gonzalez, a teacher at I.S. 10, has been involved with NYJTL for nearly 17 years, acting as a middle school tennis coach. Gonzalez said that tennis helps the students to improve their attendance, behavior and homework.
“I don’t do this for me; I do this for the kids,” Gonzalez said. “They are so into it, and it’s just a sport that has grown in this school building and it’s all because they’re having fun. That’s really what it’s all about.”
As a former student in the NYJTL program, Davis knows first-hand how it can be beneficial. He said it helps with the ability to focus while also introducing them to new things. He also said that there are many students who eventually go on to get college scholarships to play tennis.
“We provide children with opportunities,” Davis said.
For more information on the New York Junior Tennis League, visit www.nyjtl.org. Schools and teachers interested in getting involved can also contact Assistant Director of Recreation and head of the Schoolyard Tennis Program York Chu by e-mailing ychu@nyjtl.org or by calling 347-417-8156.