Every time his bus passes the high school, Charlie is mesmerized while he watches the kids play on the tennis court. When his principal announces that there will be an afterschool tennis program for kids his age, Charlie signs up right away. All he can think is, “I want to play!”

About the Author

Alison Mays is a physical therapist and a certified USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) tennis professional. She based Charlie Wants to Play! on many wonderful hours spent on court teaching children to play tennis and encourage healthy living. She is honored to have been the 2017 recipient of the USPTA Florida Stars Award for development of grass roots tennis programs. Mays is hopeful her book will encourage parents and children to read together, and then hit the courts! This is her first book, look for more tennis adventures in the future!

Mays graduated from Northwestern University in Boston and played volleyball and tennis for the Huskies. She continues to play, enjoying competitive USTA League play and recreational games with family and friends. She also loves sailing, walking the beach with her pups, Roxy and Link, photography, and painting. She is honored to be the 2017 recipient of the Florida USPTA Stars Award for development of grass roots tennis programs.

The smiles and joy Mays has witnessed on the faces of the participants of the youth tennis programs she has developed and directed inspired her to put pen to paper and write Charlie Wants to Play!