"Without realizing it when I was young or even after college, tennis has become my career. I turned a sport I love to play and watch into my daily life where I can provide a place for young and old to learn the game and play recreationally or competitively."
Kim Perna's love for the game of tennis started back as a young girl hitting a tennis ball against her family's brick home in De Pere for hours, rallying with a neighborhood friend on their quiet street over an imaginary net, or hanging out at the De Pere Legion Park tennis courts and playing with whoever showed up. Her formal team experience began when she was a member of the Division III college team at the College of St Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota. Kim doesn't recall her overall record but she has very fond and lasting memories of the friends she made on and off the court, the team van rides to the Twin Cities, and the overall tennis team experience. This was the driving force, after many years away from the court, to get back into the lifelong game of tennis and open a club to provide a place for young and old to learn and have fun at a game that has brought her so much joy. Kim was awarded the WTA Rollie Mueller Presidents Award in 2012 and the USPTA Midwest Division Fay Tooley Award in 2017. She is very proud of both of these as they recognize individuals that promote the game of tennis through contributions to the USTA, USPTA, and local tennis organizations, and volunteering in the tennis industry. Kim has also been very involved with the local Community Tennis Association, serving as President from 2009-2017, and volunteering her time wherever needed. Like Kim, the majority of junior tennis players won't become Division I athletes or have aspirations of becoming a professional tennis player, but they can play for fun with friends or compete on a school team or in tournaments. The GBTC door is open for ALL levels, ALL ages....