In Loving Memory of Doug Gillispie

Special Pops mourns the loss of one of its premier volunteers and supporters, Doug Gillispie, father of one of our athletes, Jamie, and husband of Pattie, one of our key leaders. Our entire organization is devastated by the suddenness of Doug's death.

Those who knew Doug will remember his friendly smile and willing spirit to do whatever was necessary to ensure a meaningful and fun experience for our special athletes.

As we move forward, we feel certain that the entire Special Pops tennis community will join in offering Pattie and her family their prayers and support to get through these difficult days.

While Doug's life was cut short, we know that his spirit and influence will long be remembered in our lives. In Special Pops, Doug will be missed; but you can be sure he will not be forgotten.

Just as the lifetime sport of tennis benefits the traditional tennis population by building confidence and self esteem, and teaching good sportsmanship, Special Pops has found that those benefits are even more important to the special population it serves.

Our high quality programs are lead by trained and qualified coaches. The first class experience for our athletes is made possible by our volunteers that have a passion for serving others and a love for the game of tennis that is bonded by a respect for both.

Coach Matt's Tennis & More presents $18,000 check
to Special Pops Tennis Programs

Pictured L–R Jim Hamm Matt Grayson Tiffany Grayson Tory Whipple Jeanie Hamm Vicki Bennett

At the Special Populations Unified Doubles Tennis League Playoffs on Saturday October 18th, the owners of Coach Matt’s Tennis & More – Tiffany and Matt Grayson - presented a check to Special Pops Tennis Programs, Inc. The check of $18,000 was raised during the August charity event of Coach Matt’s Charity Invitational Tournament held at the Country Club of Roswell. This was the fifth year of the event and this contribution was a record-setter that had everyone present saying "WOW!".

Special Populations Unified Doubles (SPUD) Tennis League Playoffs

Front Row L–R Kelly Kettles Ashby Saylors Amy Lefebre Robert Walls Joel Ziegler Jamie Gillispie Bayley Bristow Kerns Sage Back Row L–R Steven Long Kristen Rausch Jimmy Dusek Bill Lefebre Jennifer Luchene Adam Payne Rob Mitchell

On October 18th, the inaugural season of Special Populations Unified Doubles (SPUD) Tennis League was concluded at East Roswell Park. The competitive play featured the athletes with special needs being partnered with a traditional tennis player in a competitive doubles tennis match. The playoffs were held at the conclusion of a three-week regular season. This format of league play is the first of its type in the country and was made possible by the many volunteers that share the passion for helping others as well as a love for the sport of tennis. Owners Tiffany and Matt Grayson representing the presenting sponsor of Coach Matt’s Tennis & More presented each athlete with a beautiful trophy during the awards ceremony.

 Special Pops Fall Classic Video
Watch the Special Pops athletes in action playing tennis and enjoying friends at a recent tennis tournament in Norcross, GA (Racquet Club of the South).