Richmond Area Tennis Summer Camp at Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia
Randolph Macon College
Ashland, VA
Overview
Located just 20 minutes north of Richmond, Randoph-Macon College is a top location for VA tennis camps. As part of the new complex, the courts, which sit on five acres, includes ten playing courts with four courts lighted at night, stadium seating, a restroom facility, a gazebo and benches. The complex is accessible from Henry Clay Road, and there is ample parking.
Camp is open to all ages and ability levels. We assess each camper's ability during the first session of camp and make sure they are grouped according to their age and abilities so this way we can tailor the drills, games, and match-play to fit their individual needs.
About Our Coaches
Charles Gray is in his 11th season working with the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Randolph-Macon College and his fourth as Director of Tennis.
In Gray's three seasons, he has coached 24 players to All-ODAC awards. The men's team were recognized as an ITA All-Academic Team in 2015 and 2016, while the women were recognized in 2015. In addition, 23 men and women student athletes have earned ITA All-Academic Honors under Coach Gray.
In 2016 the women's tennis team finished the season 17-2 and placed second in the ODAC with a 9-1 record.
Gray was named the Men's Tennis ODAC Coach of the Year in 2014 after guiding the team to a third place finish with an 8-2 ODAC record.
During his time at Randolph-Macon, Gray has been involved in recruiting, scheduling, planning, and running practices, and performing community service. He has been an integral part of the growth and development of the program in recent years. The new Banks Tennis Center is a state-of-the-art facility including 10 courts, outdoor lighting, a gazebo, and restrooms. The Banks Tennis Center was recently recognized as a 2013 USTA Collegiate Facility of the Year and 2012 Award Winner by the American Sports Builders Association for the top new outdoor tennis facility.
The Yellow Jackets have consistently qualified for the ODAC Championships. During the past eight seasons, Gray has coached multiple All-ODAC players and doubles teams. Mederick Ceril was co-Player of the Year in the ODAC for the 2011-12 season. R-MC has also garnered its share of top sportsmanship awards.
Gray is certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) as a professional, by the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) as an instructor, and by the United State Tennis Association (USTA) as a clinician. He has more than 20 years of coaching experience.
He has served on the regional advisory committee (RAC) for 2014-16 on men's side and will serve on the women's side from 2016-18.
Gray has served as a tennis professional for Henrico Parks and Recreation as well as owning and operating his own tennis coaching business for more than 30 years. He has been an adjunct professor in the Physical Education Department at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Gray has worked with numerous local, state, regional and nationally-ranked junior players. He has also coached multiple Division I, II and III men’s and women’s tennis players.
Former Yellow Jacket captain and assistant coach Sam Varner returned to campus as R-MC head women’s tennis coach for the 2021-22 year.
During the 2019-20 academic year, Varner served as head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., before the program was eliminated due to COVID 19.
From 2016-19, Varner was head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. He mentored multiple all-conference performers including two conference players of the year and a conference rookie of the year. The men were 29-14, reached the playoffs each season and were a finalist in 2017. Juniata was an ITA All-Academic Team each year, with the women claiming the GPA team award in 2019.
Varner assisted Charles Gray with the men’s and women’s tennis teams at R-MC from 2014-16. Varner helped the women go 31-5 overall and 19-3 in ODAC play. The men were 20-12 overall and 11-9 in conference matches.
During the 2013-14 season, Varner was head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Va. He was a volunteer assistant at R-MC from 2009-11 and assistant at Bridgewater from 2012-13.
Varner worked multiple years as a tennis instructor and event coordinator in Richmond as well as Charlottesville.
In 2009, Varner earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Randolph-Macon. The two-rime captain had the most individual wins for the Yellow Jackets from 2006-09 and was ODAC Player of the Week in March of 2008.
Camp Details
OVERNIGHT CAMPERS -Check in Sunday at the dorm TBA from 1-2pm. Check out Friday at the tennis courts at 12pm.
DAY CAMPERS - Check in Monday-Friday at the tennis courts at 9am. Check out Monday-Thursday at the tennis courts at 4pm with Friday ending at 12pm.
HALF DAY CAMPERS - Week 1 - Check in Monday-Friday at the tennis courts at 9am. Check out daily at the tennis courts at 12pm.
HALF DAY CAMPERS - Week 4 - Check in Monday-Thursday at the tennis courts at 9am. Check out daily at the tennis courts at 12pm. No camp on Friday.
Campers will train on Randolph-Macon's new 10 court tennis complex that features 4 lighted courts, bathrooms, and more. Campers will also train inside in case of inclement weather. Don't miss out on this Virginia tennis camp!
Camp is open to all ages and ability levels. We assess each camper's ability during the first session of camp and make sure they are grouped according to their age and abilities so this way we can tailor the drills, games, and match-play to fit their individual needs.
Typical Day Camper Daily Schedule
9:00am- Warmup
9:20am to 11:15am- Topic of the day, morning training
11:15am to 12:00pm- End of morning games & match-play
12:00pm- Lunch, optional swim
1:00pm- Games, Point Play, Match play, extra help, team competitions & prizes
3:45pm- cooldown & daily review
4:00pm- full day campers depart
Day Camper Rain Policy: We do have indoor option back ups for passing showers or quick storms on campus in the rec center and swimming pool. If the day looks like it will be a total wash out, we will be sure to communicate with you by 7:45am via email and pop ups on our website notifying you of a camp change. If a day is rained out, campers will be invited to come back another day in one of our other weeks of camp to make up the missed time or will be credited the missed time good through the following year.
Reviews (5)
Carly Y. - Camper I had so much fun at tennis camp this summer. I made a lot of friends at camp, especially my roommate, who is now one of my best friends. The tennis part of camp was great and I really learned a lot from the coaches.
Betsy L. - Mother My daughter was a bit nervous going into camp since it was her first time away from home. The staff did an excellent job making her comfortable because she didn’t want to leave! Not only did she gain the sleep away experience, she made a ton of new friends and her skills improved so much. Well worth it. Thanks to the coaches! I highly recommend the adidas Tennis Camps!
Arielle P. - Camper Thoroughly enjoyed the camp at Randolph-Macon College. They have a state of the art brand new tennis facility and an amazing coaching staff to go along with it. Thanks Coach Gray.
Julie M. - Parent The tennis camp held at Randolph-Macon College was awesome. My son really enjoyed it and already stated he wants to return again next year. The instruction by Coach Gray and his players is very good. They provide helpful tips and encourage in a positive way. Holding these camps on a college campus is a great idea because it allows young people to get experience with staying in a dorm and to get a quick look at what student life is like.
Grant M. - Camper The tennis camp was so much fun and I can't wait to go back next year.
