LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It's been a freezing week in Little Rock, but that hasn't stopped Kreth Simmons from visiting his court at the Baseline Tennis Center.
"It’s just a love and a passion I have for tennis. My family is embedded in it now," he said.
He truly means it too— his son Elliot was recently named the head coach of the women’s tennis team at Grambling State University while his daughter Emory became the defending state champion at Parkview High School.
"You know you’re going to get nervous at times watching your kids compete because everyone wants to win. However, we don’t get distracted with that scoreboard,” Simmons explained.
Simmons isn’t just a dad to his three children, he’s been a father figure to a generation of kids for nearly two decades since opening the Baseline Tennis Center.
At the tennis center, he offers a chance to play and learn for families who otherwise might not get the chance to explore the world of tennis.
"This is my 19th year here at the Baseline Tennis Center. We’ve had over 800 kids here to attend my summer camps. That is enormous for this side of town," Simmons described. "Former campers have joined the military branches, went to college, or whatever affiliation they want to be with in life. They came through here at the Baseline Tennis Center."
It’s not all about aces and accolades for him either. The tennis racket is much more than just a racket.
“I call it a master key because it can unlock any door. You’re going to meet people you never would have dreamed that you could meet. You don’t have to be a grand slam champion. You don’t have to play in the U.S. Open,” he added.
Whether it’s 15, 30, or 40 kids to love, Coach Simmons is a dad to all.
“Teaching kids you can be anything you want to be in life. Use this as one of your resources to get you there," he said.
If you have a dad or organization you would like to feature, reach out to Hayden Balgavy on Facebook or email hbalgavy@thv11.com.