Tennis Club teaches 40 kids, welcomes new assistant pro

The Canyon Lake Kid’s Tennis Clinic held at the Canyon Lake Tennis Courts last week was a great way to introduce youths of all ages to tennis. Approximately 40 children between the ages of 4 and 16 participated in the clinic.

The clinic was run by tennis pro Bobby Kielty and new assistant tennis pro Keeley Arendt. Teenage helpers were Haley Kielty, Kaylin Kielty & Paige Williams.

“In the tennis clinic we really went over the basic principles and techniques of tennis,” Keeley Arendt, the new assistant tennis pro, said. “ We taught them how to hit a forehand, backhand, and serve. We had many fun games and competitions for the kids where they were able to win prizes.”

In addition to the taught skills, the clinic also provided pizza, snacks and drinks to the participants. It was a great time of bonding and learning all about the sport of tennis. Assistant pro Keeley is being welcomed with open arms by the Canyon Lake tennis community, Elizabeth Cardoza said.

Keeley Arendt takes to the court to teach youths tennis at the recent Canyon Lake Tennis Club Clinic. Keeley is the new Canyon Lake assistant tennis pro and is on board to help with lessons and coaching.

“Kelley brings her amazing skills and talent in her role of Canyon Lake Tennis Club Assistant Pro,” Elizabeth said. “She will be imparting her knowledge to both juniors and adults through lessons at the courts.”

Keeley has been playing tennis and taking lessons since she was 6 years old.

“Throughout the years, I have trained under the guidance of several coaches, including Bill Behrens and Brian Sullivan,” Keeley said. “During my high school years, I played varsity tennis for all four years and achieved a CIF championship during my junior year. After graduating, I played at Riverside City College for three seasons.”

She said her father, Canyon Lake resident Anthony Arendt, was initially the reason why she wanted to play.

“My father and my grandfather played tennis their whole lives so I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” Keeley said.

Her favorite event she ever played, she said, was going to the state championships when she attended Riverside City College, where she made it all the way to the quarter finals.

“I think I’m most proud of the evolution of my game and my technique over the years,” Keeley said. “I would also say I’m really proud of leading Temescal Canyon’s varsity tennis team to its first CIF championship.”

Kylee has lived in Canyon Lake for 22 years. Her parents moved to Canyon Lake when her mother was pregnant with her. Keeley’s favorite part about living in Canyon Lake is the tennis community and being able to grow up in such a supportive environment and having all her friends and family around.

Keeley currently attends Whittier College as a student athlete studying kinesiology. After she graduates, she plans to continue her coaching career and teach physical education.

“My position as the new assistant tennis pro working with Bobby Kielty entails giving private lessons and group lessons to those of all ages,” Keeley said. “I am so excited to work with Bobby and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity he has given me to help me in my coaching career.

“I can’t wait to start spreading my knowledge and love for tennis to anyone who is getting into tennis. I would say I definitely grew up in a tennis family all my life.. Both of my parents still play tennis to this day. I have always said tennis runs in my blood.”

For further information about scheduling lessons or about the Tennis Club, contact the club at CLTennisClub2022@gmail.com.