Nathan is a member of the Kilauea Junior Tennis Club, which since 1999 has welcomed youngsters to explore tennis as a means of recreation and more.

In just his second season, Nathan reached the finals at the Nike Open, at Barbers Point in March. Although he did not win, he said gaining competition experience was important.

"His progress is phenomenal because of his enthusiasm ... no matter what he does, he'll do well," said Rusty Dyer, coach of the KJT Club.

Dyer, 55, of 'Aina Haina, has been a professional tennis instructor for more than 30 years. Three years ago, the former professional tennis player found his way from the cold climes of Maine to Honolulu.

Rusty Dyer, coach of the KJT Club, has been teaching for more than 30 years. Oscar A. Hernandez • Special to The Advertiser

Madeleine Dreith, director of community development at the United States Tennis Association/Hawai'i Pacific Section, developed the KJT Club as a field study at Kilauea District Park and now has more than 70 members. The program also has more than 12 parent coaches.

"The most rewarding part of this program is to see timid children light up on the tennis court, losing all inhibition and find self-esteem through tennis," she said.

The club is operated under the auspices of the USTA and is a member of the USTA National Junior Tennis League.

"It's so rewarding and fun to develop life skills in youngsters through tennis," Dreith said. "We're not just playing tennis ... we are developing their physical, social and mental skills so they can have success in school, in their home and among their friends."

Club members begin playing immediately rather than going through monotonous drills.

"We let them start having fun, and during that time we give them advice on technique and strategies," Dyer said.

Nathan has a goal of playing for his high school team, and hopes to earn a college tennis scholarship.

"I hope that I might become a professional (tennis player) sometime, but I mostly like to have fun playing the game," Nathan said. If professional tennis doesn't work out, he would like to use his love of science to work for the National Weather Service.

Nathan said his parents, Ida and Ken Waters, provide him with coaching and emotional support.

Rachel Sugiyama

"My parents give me a lot of support, especially my dad," Rachel said. "He takes me to practice to work on things I need to improve."

Rachel, a student at 'Aina Haina Elementary, has been a member of the KJT Club for three years.