One might think 3- to 5-year-olds are too young to begin playing competitive tennis. But St. Paul's School in Haymarket just may have future tennis champions on its Quickstart team.

Quickstart is a USTA tennis format that uses modified court dimensions and scoring tailored for age and size. During the winter months, the preschoolers will continue to play indoors, perfecting their coordination skills and practicing their strokes. The team's goal is to be ready for a match with another Gainesville area Quickstart team.

"Some children do seem to have a predisposition for playing tennis," said Aimee O'Connor, Stonewall Jackson High School's tennis coach, who also coaches St. Paul's team. For example, Andy Murray began playing at age 2, Roger Federer at 3 and Tracy Austin at 4.

"My goal is to teach the children coordination skills, help them develop and refine their motor skills, and develop spatial awareness," O'Connor said.

St. Paul's School's children have been practicing tennis since the beginning of September.

"I am pleased with the children's progress," O'Connor said. "We are working on fundamental strokes. They are learning how to hit sponge balls and low compression balls specifically designed for young players."

O'Connor believes that tennis is a great way to teach children values such as fair play and socialization. "They learn about healthy competition," she said. "As they improve, it builds their confidence."

Members of St. Paul's tennis team include Jett Morrow, Julia Allen, Caroline Gee, Kaitlyn Warner, Jason Koduah, Sara Gee, Tripp Parker, Reagan Ebel, Joseph Demcheck, Carleigh Ruffner, Garrett Brazanski, Anya Brazanski and Kaitlyn Warner.

O'Connor, who also works at the Sudley Tennis Club and plays competitive USTA tennis in women's and mixed doubles, reports she is coaching another Quickstart team of 3- to 5-year olds. She will be arranging a match between the teams in the spring.

"These kids want to win," O'Connor said. "I have a passion for the game and love sharing it with the young."

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