Community Corner
Meet the Owner: Shadisha Robinson’s Tennis Academy
Former UGA tennis player Shadisha Robinson hosts summer tennis camp in the Southland community.
At the University of Georgia, Shadisha Robinson, was ranked No. 1 in doubles and sixth in singles by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). From there, she went on to become one of the rising stars on the professional tennis circuit.
Robinson has now turned her focus on helping youth in the community discover their tennis talent. She runs a year-round tennis program in the Stone Mountain area. Recently, she sat down to talk with Patch about her tennis academy.
Patch: Why did you decide to open a tennis academy?
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Shadisha Robinson: I hope to change [kids'] lives for the better by offering tennis at this level. [Tennis] can open doors of opportunity for [young people] and make a huge impact on them educationally, physically and emotionally.
Patch: Where is your tennis academy located?
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Robinson: I live in the Southland community and the tennis academy is located at the Southland Community Golf and Country Club in Stone Mountain.
Patch: What’s the most challenging part of running the tennis academy?
Robinson: I’m always trying to make sure that the parents' and kids' needs are met. Sometimes expectations can be unrealistic.
Patch: What’s been the most rewarding part about what you do?
Robinson: I like seeing the improvement in the kids and changing their lives [for the better].
Patch: What advice would you give an entrepreneur wanting to get into the business?
Robinson: I would say that they should have a passion and a game plan. Once you have a passion you’ll be willing to do the work and you will ultimately succeed.
Patch: Do you have other staff members?
Robinson: Yes, my boyfriend Kwame Gordon is a coach and helps run the business.
Patch: What events do you have planned for the summer?
Robinson: This summer we will be running a tennis camp for kids age 7-17. Camp starts the week of May 21 and will run through August. Camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the cost in $105 per week. For more information, email me at deeshauga@aol.com or call 706-254-8929.
