​GENEVA — More than 60 children took part in the Geneva Tennis Camp this past week, a program that gives area youth a solid foundation in tennis while encouraging long-term dedication to the sport. The camp traces its roots back to the mid-1990s, when Phil Dubsky launched it, and has continued for three decades, notes Michael Rose, who served as Geneva High School’s boys tennis coach this spring. Rose recalls that the tradition extends even further, with summer tennis programs shaping many players who went on to compete at higher levels.
Organized into three levels, the camp begins with beginners learning the essential strokes and rules, then progresses to intermediate sessions, before advancing high school players. Rose highlighted that about 85 percent of the participants hailed from the Geneva Area City School District, underscoring the program’s role in strengthening local ties to tennis. The four-day camp concluded on Thursday, followed by a weekend tennis tournament featuring 20 to 25 participants.
In the tournament, several players earned top honors in their age groups. In the 12 and under division, Christian Bushweiler claimed the singles title, while Clark Netzel and Micah Burns won the doubles competition. The 15 and under category saw Liam Keatine take the singles crown, with Keating and Joe Ortiz pairing for the doubles championship. In the 18 and under division, Hannah Dunn won the singles title, and the pairing of Jackson Burhanna and Jackson Sanzo captured the doubles title. Except for Keating, who is from Aurora, and Burhanna, who is from Marysville, the winners represented Geneva.
Rose noted that some campers did not participate in the entire schedule, but he emphasized the importance of the event’s broader support system. A grant from the United States Tennis Association’s Racquets in Hand program helped make the camp possible, he added, highlighting the collaboration that fuels the event.
Above all, Rose expressed pride in the alumni who returned to volunteer their time, assisting younger players and embodying the camp’s spirit. He spoke of a leadership team that cherishes the Geneva community and aims to sustain a long-standing tradition of tennis excellence in the area. Dubsky, who founded the camp and previously coached at Geneva, praised the ongoing efforts of organizers. “I think it is great,” he said. “They have done a fantastic job.”
The Geneva Tennis Camp continues to serve as a cornerstone for youth tennis in the region, blending skill development, community involvement, and a commitment to nurturing athletic talent for years to come. The program’s enduring mission remains to inspire local youngsters, cultivate lifelong sportsmanship, and uphold Geneva’s reputation as a hub for tennis excellence.