★ 5

We have known Tom Walker and been acquainted with Grand Rapids Racquet and Fitness (GRRF) and their staff for almost ten years. There are not words to adequately describe the tremendous impact Tom and GRRF have had on our son and our family. Our oldest son Colson had a dream has a middle schooler to play Big Ten Tennis. At the time that dream seemed impossible. But Tom and GRRF staff worked tirelessly to make that dream come true. It was glamorous and it wasn’t showy. It was humbly getting on the court with him for numerous hours. Tom has a gift for breaking down tennis technique and holding you accountable until you get it. It was also taking countless calls and texts from a kid and parents trying to figure out the whole junior and college tennis journey. Sometimes it was encouragement sometimes it was giving us the hard truth so we could grow and become better. Even once Colson left the juniors and headed to the University of Nebraska, the support we have received from Tom and GRRF has not stopped. Tom and the GRRF staff are always looking for ways to improve and get better and they deeply care about their members. Facility upgrades are a constant and the reason they were recently named the Facility of the Year by the USTA. If you truly want to get better as a tennis player and grow as a person, GRRF is the place for you. GRRF has a reputation for producing the outstanding junior tennis players in Michigan, the Midwest and the nation.

Source: Google

★ 1

I don’t know when the right age to start tennis is, but it doesn’t seem to be 10. I brought my daughter because she expressed she wanted to try tennis. She has struggled with anxiety all of her life and with counseling and medication it has gotten better over the years. I could always tell that she wanted to join sports, but was just too nervous, so when she told me that she wanted to try tennis, I was so proud and happy for her. Her first session was fine however she said two boys were really rude to her and making comments like “she sucks” and “ Great now we’re going to lose because she’s on our team” luckily, she had good spirits and understood that they were just younger boys and she moved on. I did text message one of the youth director, Josie and she was very kind and said that she would watch for that type of behavior the next session. This was completely fine with me due to knowing that kids can be mean and there’s really nothing you can do about it because that type of behavior stems from home. Yesterday she had a session, once we got in the car, she told me that she did not want to go to her final session next week. I asked why and she said one of the guy instructors kept rolling his eyes and making faces when she did something wrong. I guess that was the final straw for me. I expect that behavior from a child, but not an adult, especially one who is there to help kids. I normally don’t write reviews when I have bad experiences, however this has affected my child. It took her 10 years to finally get up enough courage to try something just for her to come to the realization that the world is cruel. Although, I had a bad experience with this facility the director of the youth program, Josie was always very nice and welcoming.

*Response to the owner:

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my review. I’d like to clarify that my intent was not to discredit the overall mission of GR Racquet or to diminish the positive experiences others may have had. I recognize the value of youth programs and the challenges involved in working with a wide range of personalities and skill levels.

That said, I was disappointed by the tone of your response. Rather than acknowledging the emotional impact the experience had on my daughter, it appears the focus was on defending the organization and suggesting that my concerns were exaggerated or misplaced. I shared our experience honestly—not to “undermine” the program, but to highlight a situation where a child with a long-standing anxiety history finally took a brave step forward, only to be met with discouragement from both peers and an instructor.

I did, in fact, communicate with a staff member (Josie), who was kind and responsive. I made a good-faith effort to support my child while respecting the structure of the program. I agree that competitive sports may not be the right fit for every child, but even in competitive environments, basic kindness, support, and professionalism should be expected—especially from adults working with children.

While I appreciate the individualized support that may have been provided behind the scenes, it doesn’t change how my daughter felt in the moment or the lasting impression it left on her. My hope is that this feedback can lead to even greater attentiveness from staff, particularly around children who may not fit the traditional “competitive” mold but are still seeking connection and confidence through sport.

Again, I appreciate the work your organization does, and I hope future experiences for kids like my daughter are more inclusive and positive.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a guest, I played Pickleball here Tuesday morning after being gone for three years and was so impressed with how the place has evolved! 8 beautiful indoor pickleball courts, excellent lighting and a real positive “vibe”. I was excited to buy a new membership on the way out and can’t wait to come back, often. Keep up the great work, Tom and Team. 5 Stars +++.

Source: Google

★ 1

I called in to ask for the membership, and the woman who answered the phone was super rude!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 5

Best indoor pickleball courts in GrandRapids.
Has racquet ball , many tennis courts and fitness center too !

Worth taking having membership.

Source: Google

★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 4

Very friendly staff. If is a big facility, but some parts are getting a little old.

Source: Google

★ 5

Played here on a guest pass while in town. Best place to play indoor Pickleball in Grand Rapids. Excellent surface, nets, and lighting. They have exclusive pickleball courts, but you can reserve a converted tennis court if the pickle ball courts are full.

Source: Google

★ 5

Played pickleball here on a guest pass while in town for Thanksgiving. Excellent indoor pickle courts! Would recommend for any pickleball players to reserve a court and play there. Very nice facility. Will come back next time in town. Thank you!

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great tennis club 👍🎾

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place to work out and play Tennis! Nice and helpful staff!

Source: Google

★ 5

This review is specific to future tournament tennis players and parents, and tennis enthusiasts in general. My son and daughter have hit with Tom Walker since 2013. We live in Clarkston, and while following him may seem typical of the craziness seen in youth sports, I can tell you that Tom is the total package, which is what we wanted. There are plenty of great pros in Southeastern Michigan, but Tom brings, passion, compassion, tennis acumen, and a true love of the kids he gets to know. He invests his heart and soul into his players. He is well connected, and will take your child as far as he/she wants to go, including professionally. But he cares about kids of all levels, which is awesome! The facilities are and will be amazing as it undergoes a major renovation. Tennis players of all abilities will love the new lighting, viewing, Playsight(on court video for teaching, scoring and more), and the overall amenities. The pickle ball courts are a wonderful addition to any club. We love Tom, and know he will help Grand Rapids become a force in junior tennis.

Larry and Liza Baylis

Source: Google