What began as a “hare-brained idea” from longtime tennis enthusiast Pat Rocha has grown into one of Gustine’s most uplifting summer traditions. Now in its fifth year, the Gustine Tennis Camp at Schmidt Park continues to inspire and energize a new generation of young athletes—one serve at a time.
Run by the dedicated members of the Westside Tennis Club and supported by the City of Gustine, this year’s camp welcomed its largest group yet: 18 kids, some as young as nine years old, all eager to learn the basics of tennis in a fun and supportive environment.
“I just wanted to get the kids interested in tennis, to get them started young,” Pat Rocha, one of the founding organizers said. “Some of them had never picked up a racket before, and now they’re already learning new skills, making friends, and building confidence.”
Rocha, who once coached high school tennis, recalled how the lack of early exposure made it tough for teens to catch up in the sport. That memory sparked the idea for the camp—get kids involved early, make it fun, and keep it accessible.
And accessible it is. The camp is completely volunteer-run, with members of the Westside Tennis Club offering their time and expertise.
“They come up to me at the end and ask, ‘Can we do another week?’” Rocha shared with a laugh. “And honestly, I wish we could.”
Despite the short four-day schedule, the impact is lasting. Campers come from surrounding towns like Patterson, Newman, and Crows Landing, and by day two, they’re chatting like old friends. Rocha said the camaraderie among participants is just as rewarding as the tennis skills they gain.
“Every one of these kids is respectful, eager to learn, and just a joy to be around,” Rocha said. “They’re meeting new people, supporting each other, and really getting something out of this.”
One heartwarming moment Rocha recounted involved Devon, a returning camper in his third year. When paired with a less experienced player, he didn’t complain or show off. Instead, he stepped into a leadership role, guiding and encouraging his partner like a true coach. “That’s the kind of kids we have here,” Rocha said proudly. “That’s why we keep coming back.”
For Rocha, remembering each camper’s name is more than just a mental exercise—it’s about making every child feel seen and valued.
“If you call them by their name, you’re making a personal connection. And that can make all the difference.”
While the camp may only last four days, the smiles, friendships, and confidence built on those tennis courts will last all summer—and maybe even a lifetime.
