Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that the underlying process associated with cardiovascular disease may begin during childhood and adolescence, highlighting the importance of prevention long before adulthood.
EDD Fit & Fuel Tennis addresses this critical window by pairing youth ages 5-17 with culturally aligned former Olympians, former NCAA Division I athletes and nutrition professionals who use movement, mentorship, healthy food experiences and whole food, plant-based lifestyle education to encourage healthy habits that can support lifelong wellness.
The Power of Community Tennis
Rain or Shine We Serve...
EDD Fit and Fuel Program Greenville SC
Tennis Program Testimonials
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Hosted at Sugar Creek Park’s Tennis and Recreation Center in Charlotte, EDD Fit & Fuel Tennis delivers two free, three-hour sessions per program, offered three times annually (June & July Mecklenburg County Park & Rec Youth, August open to youth 5-17 public registration).
Youth ages 5–17 spend the day moving, playing, learning basic tennis and fitness skills, and taking part in age-appropriate whole food, plant-based nutrition education, fueled by healthy snacks and fresh produce.
Participants leave with take-home bags that include additional plant-based healthy meals, produce, family-friendly recipe cards, and nutrition resources to share with their families, along with access to mentorship opportunities beyond the program, supported by culturally aligned coaches, nutrition professionals, volunteers and caring staff from Mecklenburg County & Power is Giving!
A CULTURALLY-ALIGNED COACHING MODEL
The EDD Fit & Fuel Tennis program is co-led by former Division I tennis athletes primarily from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and an onsite whole food, plant-based nutrition professional.
Tennis and fitness instruction are delivered by coaches who share lived experience and cultural alignment with communities most impacted by lifestyle-driven chronic illness, while welcoming and serving all participating Mecklenburg County youth ages 5–17 enrolled in Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation summer camp programs through our collaborative partnership.
This approach builds trust, reinforces accountability, and ensures instruction is high-quality and culturally relevant.
REGISTRATION
2026 PROGRAM DATES FOR MECK COUNTY CAMPERS
JUNE 26, JULY 17, 2026
PLEASE ASK YOUR CAMP IF THEY ARE ATTENDING OUR PROGRAM
2026 PROGRAM DATE OPEN TO PUBLIC
OCTOBER 10, 2026
SUGAW CREEK PARK & RECREATION TENNIS CTR
SIGN IN OPENS: 9:30AM | PROGRAM: 10AM-2PM
OUR EDD FIT & FUEL PROGRAM COACHES
Meet our coaching line up for EDD Fit and Fuel Tennis program series!
HEAD COACH & PROGRAM TEAM LEAD
NADIA HILTON ADAMS
Co-Founder of Power is Giving, Nadia was a standout high school and Jr. USTA tennis athlete, earning a full scholarship to NCAA Division 1 North Carolina A & T State University where she completed her education.
Nadia played singles and doubles and as team co-captain, helped the Aggies women's tennis team to multiple winning seasons and two back to back MEAC tournament births. Nadia was also a Nike camp tennis coach and currently works for Mecklenburg County.
FITNESS COACH
MANNY SMITH
A standout high school and high school athlete, Manny earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 North Carolina Central University, where he completed his undergraduate education and was an all-conference Defensive Back.
TENNIS COACH
KAYLA PRICE
A Charlotte native and nationally ranked Top 100 junior tennis player, Kayla Price competed at NCAA Division I Morgan State University, where she was a standout singles and doubles player and a three-time MEAC Women’s Tennis Player of the Week.
Kayla continued her career in collegiate athletics and now serves as Assistant to the Vice President of Athletics at Livingstone College, helping lead front-office and external operations for the college’s athletic programs.
FITNESS COACH
JEFFERY GIBSON
Earning his BS at Oral Roberts University, Jeffery is a 2016 Olympian (400m and 400m hurdles) in track and field, holding the Bahamian national record of 49.39 seconds in 400 m hurdles.
A World Class, award-winning athlete. Jeffery is from the Bahamas, works for Mecklenburg County and is a staunch supporter of equity, wellness and community youth.
TENNIS COACH
BRENNA BRYANT
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Brenna earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 North Carolina A&T State University.
TENNIS COACH
NOLAN MARTINO
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Nolan earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 North Carolina A&T State University where he completed his undergraduate education.
TENNIS COACH
KENDALL ADDISON
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Kendall earned a full scholarship to NCAA Division 1 Howard University where she completed her undergraduate education and helped lead her team to winning seasons and tournament championships.
Kendall works full-time for a Black-women led enterprise, coaches area youth and is a talented, award winning vocalist!
FITNESS COACH
KEEON JOHNSON
A standout wide receiver from Kannapolis, NC, Keeon played NCAA Division I football at the University of Virginia, finishing his collegiate career with 1,069 receiving yards and becoming the 36th Cavalier in program history to surpass 1,000 career receiving yards. Following UVA, he signed with the New York Giants in 2017.
Beyond athletics, Keeon works full-time for NASCAR and remains connected to his community by coaching and mentoring area youth.
FITNESS COACH
GABBY GABRIEL
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Gabby earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 Appalachian State University, where she completed her undergraduate education and represented her team with back-to-back winning seasons. Following her tennis career, Gabby earned her Juris Doctorate from Charleston Law School and resides in Charlotte, NC, practicing law.
TENNIS COACH
CHYNA JONES
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Chyna earned a scholarship to Southern Wesleyan University where she completed her undergraduate education.
Chyna has participated as a Power is Giving Tennis coach since 2017, holds a masters degree and works with children with autism full-time.