Greg Harkins new junior program development director at Family Circle Tennis Center
***image1***The Family Circle Tennis Center announced this Monday that Greg Harkins has joined the staff as Junior Program Development Director. Harkins brings over 25 years of experience in tennis to the position, which over the past five years, has grown to encompass a multi-tiered program that allows children of all ages and ability levels an opportunity to learn the game of tennis and be able to advance at their own pace. In this new role, Harkins will oversee the day-to-day operations of the junior tennis programs including junior development, summer camps, special holiday camps as well as any future junior programs. He will also take a lead role in the Family Circle Junior Tennis Academy by developing a program that gives academy members specific teaching and training techniques that help them develop into a well rounded player. "One of our top priorities has always been to provide the junior tennis players in this area with a quality program that helps them get the most out of their tennis," commented Rob Eppelsheimer, Family Circle Tennis Center Director. "Greg is an outstanding coach and instructor who will make a significant impact on junior tennis here in the Charleston area." Harkins grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and as junior player held the position of AT&T/ALTA Junior Player of the Year in singles. In college he attended Georgia State University and played on the varsity tennis team. He graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Inter Disciplinary Studies. His background and experience includes working with junior players at the Peter Burwash International Summer Camps in Canada; serving as Director of Tennis at the Timber Ridge Camp in Highpoint, West Virginia where he oversaw a full staff with 200+ juniors, of all levels, participating in the camp; and most recently, as Assistant Head Professional at the Sporting Club at Windy Hill in Atlanta, which has a membership of over 700 active tennis players. He is a certified member of the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) and the PTR (Professional Tennis Registry). "The Family Circle Tennis Center has played such an important role in the growth of tennis in this area and I am looking forward to being a part of this great team," stated Harkins. "I have a great foundation to build on and my mission is to help each junior, whatever their playing ability, achieve their goals in tennis."