Testimonials
“My son started volunteering as a junior coach for S.A.F.E. as a 7th grader and it has been such a tremendous experience for him! Now a freshman in high school, the program has not only helped him develop as a tennis player but as a mentor because of what he has learned participating with S.A.F.E. and working with the kids in the program. S.A.F.E. provides young people with confidence, a positive environment, and the character-building and leadership skills they can use to succeed in tennis and in life.”
“I had the privilege of meeting Coach over a decade ago, and from the very beginning, I was deeply inspired by everything he and S.A.F.E. DC stand for. The sheer number of kids he has mentored and guided is truly remarkable. What makes this organization so special isn’t just about developing athletes; it’s about building confidence, inspiring kids to strive for their best, and providing a safe, nurturing environment where they can truly thrive. ... The impact S.A.F.E. DC has had, is nothing short of amazing."
— Sherene Rapoport, VP, Grassroot Communication
“I am so impressed by the good work S.A.F.E. and Spyke Henry do for the inner city youth in DC. There is no greater calling than serving others. The positive impact SAFE has on the youth in DC is an inspiration. We need more programs like this!”
“I am truly amazed by the incredible work that S.A.F.E. is doing in the DC area... Coach Spyke Henry['s] passion for empowering the youth through tennis was nothing short of inspiring. S.A.F.E. goes far beyond teaching tennis; they are building character, boosting self-esteem, and helping students achieve academic success. It’s remarkable to witness an organization so dedicated to uplifting young people, encouraging them to make positive choices, and equipping them with the tools to become confident and responsible members of their community. The care and commitment that Coach and the entire S.A.F.E. team pour into the youth is a beautiful thing to see.”
— Sonya Williams, Founder/CEO of Savvy Virtual Solutions
“I was introduced to S.A.F.E. when my son was five years old. He is now 19. S.A.F.E. offered a fun way for children to be introduced to tennis. ... The excitement on their faces was priceless. Coach Spyke would carpool children to and from the tennis bubble and he would always celebrate the children when they did well on the court and in the classroom. He even hosted an end of the year celebration. My son has made life-long friends and has even returned to winter tennis to help coach the new children. What an awesome organization!”
“S.A.F.E. Tennis is a pillar of the DC community that accepts challenges and translates them into successful outcomes for its students. S.A.F.E is a shining example of what is possible through vision, determination and heart.”
— John Borden, CEO of Washington Tennis Education Foundation (WETF)
“The S.A.F.E. Tennis program has had an incredible impact on my daughter[‘s] life. She has developed a genuine love for the game and has grown in ways I never imagined. Not only have her tennis skills improved, but she has also become part of a loving and welcoming community of friends and supporters that feel like family. Coach Spyke is truly remarkable—his passion for teaching and nurturing the youth is evident in every interaction. He pours so much energy, care, and wisdom into the kids, and you can really feel the difference. It has been such a wonderful and transformative experience for [my daughter], and I couldn’t be more grateful!”
“As a resident in the community, lifelong tennis player, and professional coach in the areas where S.A.F.E. operates, I see almost daily … the constant joy and life skills its tennis programs bring to kids. The positive impacts are both immediate and long term. Immediate in learning tennis and social skills; long term in building the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles and positive social dynamics. These all interact to develop kids into healthy adults, not just physically but also socially. And by extension, the same positive impacts permeate into their families and communities. ... Everybody wins! … It’s a positive cycle that SAFE starts today which continues long after the kids leave the tennis courts. A model program for DC that has very real, sustainable, and positive impacts on our youth and families, neighborhoods and city, and ultimately society as a whole.”
