Making a racquet

Victoria Sun

Tuesday, April 11, 2000 | 10:57 a.m.

The tennis program at the Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club run by tennis director Ki Kroll is serious stuff.

Those fortunate enough to be in the program know there's no being late, no missing workouts and no horsing around.

Two more things -- you must have fun and be serious about wanting to improve.

Call it Kroll's Kreed or Ki's Kommand, but Kroll wouldn't have it any other way.

He knows that you don't earn college scholarships by being lazy and you certainly won't turn pro if you are.

"What we're trying to do is give underprivileged kids a different avenue in life through tennis by possibly furthering their education or becoming pros," he said.

"That's the idea. We try to instill that the tennis program here is very special. It takes a real commitment to want to come to learn. We don't take just anybody. If the kids just want to take lessons and have fun, then we recommend going somewhere else."

Not only do the kids have to be committed to the sport, but they have to be committed in the classroom. Program requirements include maintaining at least a "C" average and satisfactory citizenship.

At the center there is a library and computer center in which the kids may study.

"The foundation felt that part of the community needed some type of community place for kids to enjoy, to keep them off the street," said Andre Agassi Foundation director of development Julie Rosetti.

Kroll was hired in December of 1998 to build and mold the tennis program that started in January 1999. After teaching tennis at private clubs in Northern California for a number of years, Kroll moved to Las Vegas about six years ago and has been giving private lessons and clinics out of his home.

The tennis program is free to kids who belong to the Boys & Girls Club and are chosen by Kroll through a tryout. All of the equipment -- from rackets to shoes -- are provided by the Andre Agassi Foundation.

Because Kroll only has two courts to teach on, he has no choice but to be selective on who gets into the program so that he can manage a reasonable number of players.

Right now, there are 8-12 kids in his beginner group and 12-16 in his intermediate/advance group.

On the last Wednesday of every month, Kroll conducts a one-hour tryout for other boys and girls interested in getting into the competitive program.

He said he evaluates kids based on demeanor, athleticism, enthusiasm, attention span and coachability.

"Our program isn't recreational in any way," he said. "We're trying to find a few good athletes that like the sport and would like to achieve something through it.

"Every day when you come out to the tennis courts, you're going to be seeing kids practicing and working hard and getting better. So it's a true commitment for them and the parent that gets involved."

Even if Kroll sees a boy or girl with talent, he or she won't be able to get into the program unless a spot opens. That happens if a child already in the program moves or Kroll drops a child because they are not committed enough.

"I give them a few chances, but I tell them they need to be here every time because what happens is, if they're not there every time then some kids are going to be learning faster than other kids and we don't have time to catch the other kids up," he said.

The kids don't seem to mind Kroll's tough love.

As soon as they see him, they greet him warmly with a hug or a high five.

On a warm day, Kroll stood watching two of his best players, 9-year-old Stan Breland (ranked No. 4 in the Nevada Tennis Association boys 10s in 1999 and Candynce Boney (No. 16 in the girls 12s).

Breland threw a high, bouncing lob to Boney causing Kroll to yell: "Stop messing around! Hit the ball!"

Breland immediately corrected the problem and started pounding the ball.

Afterward, Breland was all smiles when he said, "He's not tough, I like it. I'm just glad we have a nice man like our coach to help us out."

Without Kroll and the generosity of Agassi, many of the kids in the program would have never had the chance to play tennis.

When the top-ranked Agassi is in town, he often drops by the his Boys & Girls club to hit with the kids in the tennis program. Every Christmas he throws a party for all of the kids.

Breland remembers the last time Agassi came to visit. It was raining outside so he hit sponge balls with the kids inside.

"It was an excellent day," Breland beamed. "He's a really nice guy."