For all that, as the folks who run the Barracudas will tell you, growing the game at the grassroots level is far from simple. Launching the free-of-charge learn-to-play program required no end of effort, including lobbying for more ice time at municipal arenas, where the per-hour cost typically runs about half the price of privately owned pads.

“I

“I’ve always wanted to become the best tennis player I could be,” she said. “Recently, I’ve noticed a huge need for a tennis community outside of tennis clubs and that’s the type of group I lead with hitting sessions and events.” 

• Laura Herrera