Our mission is to inspire and empower our youth to rise above challenges, maintain focus, and take charge of their lives through the transformative power of tennis, the pursuit of education, and the adoption of healthy habits. We believe that by instilling these values, we can guide young individuals to not only excel on the court but also in every facet of their lives, fostering resilience, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to personal growth and well-being.

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The Overhead Foundation:

Empowering Youth Through Tennis and Beyond

 

Why the Overhead?
Aside from a blistering ace down the middle, what shot do most tennis players dream of hitting to win a game, set, or match after a grueling rally? The overhead!

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When a player is focused, has correct technique, is confident, and is positioned properly, the overhead shot allows them to take complete control and secure victory. This is why the overhead is so crucial in tennis—and it’s the inspiration behind our mission.

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Our Vision
At the Overhead Foundation, our vision is to empower youth by teaching them to keep their heads up with positivity and engage in collaborative team tennis. We aim to help them stay focused on productive goals and take control of their lives. Our programs provide unique opportunities, offering access to community role models who reflect their identities, creating a classroom environment to build economic empowerment, and establishing a structured yet balanced health and fitness routine. The Overhead Foundation lays a solid foundation for our youth to thrive and succeed.

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Meet Our Director: Rocky Warner
Rocky Warner, the Director of the Overhead Foundation, is a cornerstone of Atlanta's youth tennis scene. For over 20 years, Rocky has organized events, created activation sites for beginner players, and served on the national board that rebranded the American Tennis Association. His advocacy began at Washington Park and McGhee Tennis Center, following in the footsteps of the heroes who founded the Gate City Tennis Association, Atlanta's first black tennis association. Rocky Warner is a proven champion for youth tennis in our city.

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Brief History
Coach Rocky began his tennis journey later in life, initially focusing on baseball. Through excellent coaching, he quickly rose to the top 100 of Georgia Boys 18u before his senior year of high school. He organized his first community tennis lessons in the 11th grade. While playing college tennis at Morehouse, he hosted tennis clinics at Spelman College and often conducted hitting lessons with Dr. Massey, the President of Morehouse College ('95-'98). Although Rocky transferred and completed his education at another institution, he later volunteered as a coach at Morehouse under current Head Coach Terry Alexander. Rocky cherished volunteering at Morehouse, which greatly contributed to his social development, character building, and cultural pride. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Communication from the AIU Creative Marketing Program and a Master of Science Degree in Internet Marketing from Full Sail University. Rocky’s extensive tennis experience is complemented by his corporate roles at major companies like the AJC, COX Media Group, and Auto Trader. For over 10 years, he honed his craft as a Senior Creative Marketing Designer and later applied his talents to the Atlanta Youth Tennis Program at Sugar Creek and as President of the ATA South.

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Our Excitement
We are incredibly excited about the Overhead Foundation! The work we are doing is crucial because the future of our sport depends on it. With an amazing team of smart, talented, and passionate officers and members, the Overhead Foundation is poised to make a significant impact on our community, the South, and the world. The potential is limitless, and we can’t wait for you to see the incredible programs and initiatives we have in store. Together, we will empower the next generation of tennis players and leaders, creating a brighter future for all. Stay tuned and watch us make a difference!

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