By Gina Clance, Net News Contributor
The smell of burgers on the grill. The sound of the crowd cheering a good shot. Friends dropping everything to help dry courts on a cloudy match day. This is what ALTA tennis is like for the Highland Pointe community in Marietta. Tennis relationships in this neighborhood go far beyond the four courts.
“Tennis is a social sport,” said Highland Pointe resident Ashley Taylor. “I believe who you play tennis with and the vibe of the team make all the difference in whether or not you’re going to enjoy your time on the courts. Our tennis community is really like a family.”
This neighborhood was home to 35 teams across all ALTA leagues in 2024 — several of those teams made a splash into the postseason, some even winning the coveted big plate. Many of the players credit their long-time coach, Mitchell Green.
“Coach Mitchell has built a strong juniors program,” said Chantelle Benesh, 25-year ALTA member. “We also have community drills once a week — playing music and having fun — coming together where all levels play together and get to know each other versus everyone on an individual team segregated.”
Green has wonderful things to say about his tennis students as well. “The residents at Highland Pointe are exceptionally open and giving to each other,” he said. “The HOA and especially the tennis chairpersons are very open-minded and supportive of all the tennis programs there now. The spirit of ALTA…is perfectly encapsulated in the tennis program at Highland Pointe. The adults and the juniors are ‘poster pictures’ of everything that is good and right about ALTA and what ALTA is trying to achieve.”
In his 12 years of coaching at Highland Pointe, the tennis community has grown from one group of about 15 ladies to multiple adult and junior teams. Green rightfully boasts a “highlight season” in 2023 when four junior teams made the playoffs, two made it to City Finals, and one of those teams won the championship. This group also had two adult teams make the postseason that year, with one claiming victory at City Finals.
While their tennis skills continue to improve, ALTA teams have become much more than just a sports outlet in this community. When a neighbor needs help or falls ill, the needs are met quickly and with joy.
“We, unfortunately, have had multiple women on my teams battle breast cancer,” said Taylor. “The support from just the tennis community is really heartwarming to see. We have organized meal trains, gift baskets, and gift cards for these incredible women.”
Something as simple as watching a neighbor play a match means a lot to the Highland Pointe tennis players. “It’s fun when neighbors come watch and cheer for us,” said 12-year-old Addison Hinz. “It is also really fun to watch the adult teams play because a lot of people hang out and cheer! People like to be part of a fun team. Being part of the team brings people together, and it’s fun to win and compete!”
Another resident, Amy Ackerstein, has loved being a part of the Highland Pointe community. “My husband and I have lived in Highland Pointe for 31 years,” she said. “I think Highland Pointe has such a huge tennis community because we are very inclusive. When we have home matches, the teams tend to combine the food, so it’s a big party each week. We do more than just the tennis sandwiches and often grill out, which creates a greater sense of community.”
Ackerstein, who has played tennis since the age of four, loves the social aspect of playing ALTA in her neighborhood. The community drills are important to her. “It’s fun to play with everyone and is another way the neighborhood builds a sense of community,” she said. “By doing this, we really get to know everyone and come together in life’s celebrations as well as are a village when someone is struggling.”
ALTA’s slogan, “Where Atlanta Comes to Play,” is demonstrated well in this Cobb County neighborhood. The support and camaraderie are evident year-round. These friends truly “do life” together. From tennis matches to cookouts to birthday parties to a Greek Isles cruise, it seems the Highland Pointe residents have taken the slogan to heart. They started out as neighbors and tennis teammates, and now they are life-long friends.
Rose Taylor, 10, summed up what her two years (so far) in ALTA have meant to her. “Tennis is fun, and you can play with friends!”
That is what ALTA is all about!
