Tennis is making a comeback at Sweet Home High School after 30 years, thanks to Brian Brands and his wife Cathy Brands-Hawken. They have revived the program this year, initially enrolling eight players who haven鈥檛 participated in other spring sports. Brands, a former collegiate athlete, emphasizes the sport鈥檚 lifelong benefits and aims to attract students seeking exercise and new activities.

By the Numbers
  • Eight players are currently enrolled in the revived program.
  • The program will feature matches starting April 2, with a home game on April 9.
State of Play
  • The new tennis courts were funded through a combination of grants totaling over $100,000.
  • Sweet Home is one of the few 4A Division schools previously without a tennis program.
What's Next

The program plans to host a summer tennis camp for elementary kids again this July, aiming to build interest and participation for the upcoming seasons. Brands hopes to gradually increase the number of players and offer a more structured schedule as the program grows.

Bottom Line

This revival of tennis at Sweet Home High School is a significant step toward expanding sports opportunities for students, encouraging lifelong fitness, and fostering community engagement through youth sports. It reflects a commitment to inclusivity by targeting students who aren鈥檛 otherwise active in spring sports.