Known for the quality of its beginners programs, Giammalva Racquet Club has trained young players from when they first learned the intricacies of the sport into collegiate athletes that receive scholarships with hopes of playing professionally someday.

"I think our kids programming really sets us apart," owner Sammy Giammalva Jr. said. "We have quality staff, we offer the smaller ratios so that kids progress a lot faster, and the interest in the game is nurtured."

Giammalva praised the quality of young tennis players trained at his club, citing the Capsher Texas Grand Slam in June where 26 of the club's athletes played and performed well. The owner said many of those players first picked up the game years ago at Giammalva, and said its beginners programs are the club's greatest strength.

The instructors focus on interactive drills with athletes and provide a variety of programs for them during the year.

"Most parents bring their kids in and they want their kids to have fun, they want them to like it," Giammalva said. "They want them to improve and they want a good environment."

The club reaches out to thousands of students at local school districts—including Klein ISD—through assemblies held each year that provide a curriculum for physical education teachers to teach tennis to students.

However, the club is not just for grade-school tennis players. It provides a wide array of adult programs and social activities as well. The 11-acre tennis club offers 20 different lighted courts lined for players of all ages, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fitness area with a wide array of workout equipment, personal training and other amenities.

Originally developed by Wimbledon, a residential developer, Giammalva bought the club in March of 2000.

"The club was really run down and they were not doing well, so I kept approaching and kept approaching, and finally they were interested," he said. "It was a big facility with a lot of courts and a lot of potential."

The Houston native played tennis professionally from 1980-89, reaching the top 30 ranked players in the world in both singles and doubles. He won multiple singles and doubles titles, retiring from tennis at 27. Giammalva went back to school, graduating from Rice University in 1993 and working in investment banking before coming back to the sport he loved. He served as the tennis director for five years at Pine Forest Country Club before purchasing the club in Spring.

The former tennis pro made quick improvements to the club, which he said was in disrepair. Membership grew from 40-50 members to as many as 400 members at the club's peak, Giammalva said. However, membership took a hit around 2010 and has since dropped to about 250 members.

However, with significant recent growth in the region, Giammalva said he is optimistic about the club's future. The owner plans to invest $1 million in improvements over the next three years, with plans to provide a better social environment for adults, make renovations to the fitness area and other improvements.

"I think we have a gorgeous club the way it is, but I definitely would like to see a fresh, really clean look to it," Giammalva said.

Programs offered

Prices for programs vary based on the program, age and number of classes. Members receive discounts.

• Beginners: These programs focus on interactive drills for beginning tennis players of all ages.
• High performance: These courses offer a four-to-one instructor-to-student ratio, emphasizing personalized instruction.
• Live ball: Students compete with each other in specific goal-oriented games and activities designed to emphasize specific skill sets.
• Adult academy: Each practice has a particular focus and pushes athletes physically.
• Adult tennis drills: Adults can drop-in with a partner and focus on live ball drills as well as team strategy, positioning and team tactics.

16400 Sir William Drive Spring 281-370-5801|www.giammalva.com Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.