National Tennis Month Lives On in Windward Lake

For years, the United States Tennis Association has recognized May as National Tennis Month, 31 days devoted to celebrating the sport, its health benefits, and the vibrant communities it builds across the country. At Racket Social Club at Windward Lake, however, that spirit didn’t end with May. It began early and continues to shape a new chapter for one of Alpharetta’s most storied racquet facilities.

Formerly The Club at Windward Lake, the multi-sport property was acquired by Racket Social Club in the fall of 2025. Long a fixture in the idyllic Alpharetta community, tucked among stately homes and stands of white pine, the club once served as a pipeline for aspiring collegiate players and regularly produced Division I athletes. It also hosted an ITF tournament that drew top professionals from around the world to compete for prize money, cementing its reputation as a premier tennis destination.

In recent years, however, that luster had dimmed. What was once a thriving hub for elite juniors and professional competition became a facility searching for renewed identity and sustainable membership growth. For Racket Social Club, the opportunity was not simply to restore the property but to reimagine it, transforming the club into a modern, community-driven destination centered around aquatics, pickleball, padel, and, of course, tennis.

To bring that vision to life, RSC partnered with Cliff Drysdale Management and appointed Kory Rogers as General Manager. A seasoned racquets professional and former Director of Racquets at a Cliff Drysdale–managed club in California, Rogers arrived aligned with a clear mission to elevate the experience beyond its former peak. “We don’t want to bring it back to what it was,” Rogers said. “We want it better than it’s ever been before.”

While the club boasts a wide array of amenities, Rogers began where his expertise runs deepest—adult tennis programming. Rather than replacing existing offerings, his strategy focused on expansion by layering in new opportunities designed to engage both beginners and seasoned players. It is an approach that mirrors his previous success, where he built a thriving program from the ground up and grew weekly participation from zero to more than 100 players.

Central to his effort was the introduction of Cardio Tennis, a high-energy program developed by the USTA and the Tennis Industry Association more than two decades ago. Despite its longevity, Cardio Tennis remains one of the sport’s most accessible and engaging entry points. It requires no prior experience while delivering a dynamic, heart-pumping workout.

Rogers initially planned to roll out 10 to 12 weekly classes. Before launching the full schedule, he opted for a bold introduction, a complimentary Cardio Tennis Night. Open to members and guests of all ages and skill levels, the event offered a first glimpse of the energy and inclusivity defining the club’s new direction.

The response was immediate. More than 80 players filled the courts as Rogers and his team of teaching professionals led participants through fast-paced drills, laughter, and shared discovery. Some were learning the game for the first time, while others were rediscovering a long-lost passion. With music playing across the grounds and ten courts in use, the evening transformed the facility into a vibrant showcase of movement, connection, and fun.

That spirit lies at the heart of National Tennis Month. While programs may run year-round, the initiative serves as a reminder to reflect, re-energize, and reimagine the on-court experience, especially through the eyes of a beginner. It is about the excitement of picking up a racquet for the first time, the joy of connection, and the simple thrill of staying active in a way that feels both social and fun.

At Racket Social Club at Windward Lake, that philosophy is no longer confined to a single month. It has become the foundation for a revival, one that honors the club’s legacy while building something even stronger for the future.