MURFREESBORO, N.C. - Second year head men's and women's coach, Ramona Staton-Dash, has been busy since her arrival on campus just before Christmas 2021. Staton-Dash, who previously worked for Johnson C. Smith University, Queens University (NC) and in the club tennis sector both in her home state of North Carolina and South Carolina, is spreading her love of the game to Roanoke-Chowan area.
Tennis has been a part of Coach Staton-Dash's life since she was young. She earned a scholarship to Benedict College in South Carolina where she played as the program's top seed. It was during that time she developed a love for spreading the game of tennis, especially in underserved communities. She is committed to providing opportunities for whatever community she calls home in the sport that she loves. Earlier this year she set out to write and apply for a few grants through the United States Tennis Association. In January she learned that the grants that she submitted were approved and Chowan University would serve as a hub for the USTA North Carolina Community Tennis Grant.
"The Rose Family Tennis Complex is the only tennis complex located within a 22 miles radius of its neighbors," said Staton-Dash. "Currently, we offer summer camps, private tennis instruction, and PE activity classes, however, we can do more. This grant provides a good framework to offer free to low-cost tennis instruction in an area that wouldn't otherwise be served."
The USTA Community Grant will allow Coach Staton-Dash to host free to low-cost tennis lessons and clinics for the local community. The grant is already being put into its implementation phase with the opening community kick off on April 19th. The first community event is geared towards community youth ages 6-17. Staton-Dash, along with her two teams, will host a free clinic from 4:00pm-5:30pm at the Rose Family Tennis Courts on Union Street in Murfreesboro. All tennis equipment will be provided so that all youth will need to bring is themselves, comfortable clothing, and sneakers or tennis shoes. This is a free event and will be a great opportunity for beginners to advanced players.
"Kids will be introduced to the sport of tennis from Chowan University tennis coaches and players. We will have games, prizes, music, and much more," said Staton-Dash.
Along with her coaching duties at Chowan, Coach Staton-Dash is also a mother, a wife, a sister, and an avid tennis player. Along with her husband, Cyril Dash, the duo make a built-in mixed doubles partnership. The two met while at Benedict College. Together they have one daughter, Naomi, who is happy to greet fans and players alike at the Rose Family Tennis Courts on any home match date.
Staton-Dash is hopeful that those who attend the clinic on the 19th will garner a love for tennis, just as she did many years ago. "With this event, we will build our future events and eventually we want to build a competitive local league," stated Staton-Dash.
USTA North Carolina will be in attendance to assist with the clinic on April 19th. For more information about this clinic please reach out to Coach Staton-Dash @ rstatondash@chowan.edu. Registration and participation is completely free and will be done on site.
