Tennis is Coming to the Bristol Sportsplex in a Big Way!
Photo of Ripley Amell, Bristol Sportsplex Director of Tennis
The Bristol and Tri-Cities tennis world has something to cheer about today. The news that the Bristol Sportsplex and the Tournament Players Academy (TPA) will be joining forces is a huge win for junior and adult tennis development in East Tennessee. The relationship will provide junior/adult tennis players with the ability to train with one of the top international coaches in the business. Owner/Director Ripley Amell of TPA and Matt and Hollie Lavinder of the Bristol Sportsplex have combined their resources and vast experience in bringing an academy environment to the Plex by initiating programs to grow talent from within and attract players initially locally and then internationally to come to experience a unique “evidence-based system” used across Europe. New TPA programming will begin the first week of June!
Both Matt, Hollie, and Ripley respectfully have been waiting for the right time to bring this relationship together and are committed to a long-term relationship so that players can stay with a program from an early age on in their development straight through to college play without having the anxiety of moving from club to club. Amell stresses, “Trying to find an excellent sport science-based, ethical coach to develop their son or daughter is of the utmost importance through their athletic journey”.
TPA originated in Tampa FL where the program was very successful hosting players from across the globe for short and long-term training, coupled with local virtual school programs for those players willing to dedicate themselves to high performance. In 2019, TPA relocated to the Boone NC area where it found a home at the renowned Yonahlossee Tennis Resort & Club. Although TPA will still operate some programs in Boone its headquarters will now be at the Plex as of now. Ripley has experienced success in both disciplines of Adult and Junior development. For twelve years Ripley directed one of the most sought out Adult Vacation Tennis Schools in Canada located at the Gray Rocks Ski/Golf and Tennis Resort where he personally worked with over 13,000 adult players who came for an intensive week of tennis instruction.
Following his move from Canada to Orlando he incorporated the National Tennis Academy where as the Executive Director began recruiting players globally to attend the Montverde International Preparatory School and train with his team. Having placed over a hundred athletes into collegiate tennis programs two of which Ripley trained from 9-18 years old winning National Championships, there is no doubt TPA will make a huge impact in tennis at the Plex!
TPA is honored and excited to work with Plex’s leadership team to bring world-class tennis to this amazing revitalized sports center that boasts an extensive Pickleball and Soccer program. For more information please go to www.bristolsportsplex.com or directly email TPA@bristolsportplex.com ■
