Merokean brings tennis to Hempstead school

For a Saturday afternoon, the gymnasium at the Circulo de la Hispanidad center in Hempstead was full of children and families practicing their newly learned tennis skills. With rackets in hand, children paired off with family members for a special bonding time, an important aspect of the Tennis and Familia program.

“I’m going to show you a little trick,” said Merokean Fabiana Rezak, 45, a professional tennis coach who emigrated from Argentina and who heads the program. “I’m going to teach you how to pick the ball up with your foot using the racket.”

Slowly but firmly, she placed her racket next to a ball on the court and pushed it against her foot. Then she lifted her leg, holding the ball against her foot with the racket, and quickly released the ball. She bounced it up and down with the racket, balancing it on top. The children and parents, wide-eyed, clapped.
“Now you try it,” she said.

Tennis balls flew left and right. The children — all in kindergarten to fifth grade — struggled with the new technique, but their parents were on hand, ready to help.

“Take your time, don’t rush” Rezak said. She played salsa music in the background. Finally, a few children nailed the technique.

“Great!” Rezak exclaimed. “Now, let’s play tennis!”

Tennis, anyone?

Rezak is coordinating the tennis program with Circulo de la Hispanidad, a center in Hempstead dedicated to serving the surrounding community by hosting different programs. Rezak, who is a longtime volunteer for the U.S. Tennis Association, thought it imperative to bring tennis to a community that may not be familiar with the sport. So, in conjunction with Circulo de la Hispanidad and USTA, she helped establish the Tennis and Familia program in March. Although the pilot family program wrapped up its two-month run on the last week of April, it served its purpose, Rezak said.