When Rockmart Recreation Director Jeff Hulsey’s phone has been ringing lately, or when members of the community have approached him for a conversation, he has noticed a recurring theme coming up – people are showing interest in a recreation tennis league.

Because of that interest, Hulsey is now seeing if enough people in the Polk County community are interested in forming a league.

“I’ve had a lot of calls about it,” Hulsey said. “I know tennis is one of the fastest growing youth sports around and if we can get enough people willing to play, we will start a tennis league next spring.”

Hulsey said the league will be operated through the recreation department and would be under the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) banner. Play would start in March or April. At the end of the season, teams would have the chance to participate in GRPA tournaments.

“We just need people that are interested to call us and let us know,” Hulsey said. “We have three tennis courts that can be used and we hope to be able to use the high school courts some, too.”

Hulsey said that tennis, particularly youth tennis, is big in Rome and Cartersville.

“We are still at the beginning stages right now,” Hulsey said. “We don’t have a fee set, but we know we want to offer it for children ages 5-to-12, from beginner to pro. We will also do an adult tennis league if we have enough people that want to participate.”

Hulsey said that Rockmart High School Lady Jackets tennis coach Malin Evans and her husband Dee Evans will be helping the league get started.

“They are going to help us get it going, help us set it up,” Hulsey said.

Hulsey also noted that the recreation department would provide tennis balls and the courts, but each player must provide their own tennis racket.

Those interested in playing, or coaching, should contact Hulsey at 678-757-1001 or e-mail him at jeffhulsey@rockmart-ga.gov.