Master Stringer Ready to Serve Players at New Pro Shop
By Richard Finn
At the recently refurbished and expanded Pro Shop by Solfire that opened earlier this month at Saw Mill Club, players can get their racquets strung by the same person who for many years took care of the racquets of leading professionals at the ATP men’s tournament in Atlanta.
His name is Colin Athens, and he brings the expertise and passion of stringing racquets for more than 10 years to the needs and distinct playing style of every customer who comes into the store.
“I want to make every person who comes into our shop feel special and I want to make them a better player with the right strings, tension and maybe even racquet,” said Athens, 26, who was a top national junior tennis player growing up in Atlanta. “It‘s a more customized approach, more hands on.”
Saw Mill Director of Tennis Bob Bull considers the Pro Shop as an extension of the club’s superior junior and adult tennis programs.
“The correct equipment is as vital to the success of any player as is good coaching,” said Bull. “Now, it’s one-stop shopping here at the club if you are looking to improve your game.”
Athens started stringing his own racquets as a junior player and then had the opportunity to learn “the tricks of the trade” at the side of a master stringing for years at a pro shop in his hometown.
“About 90 percent of the people who come into the shop don’t know much about racquets and with just about one look and learning about how they play, I can almost to a tee select and suggest what racquet and tennis they should play with, “ said Athens.
The focus of the shop will be on tennis featuring a wide assortment of top racquet models and strings, accessories including grips and a full range of the boutique brand Solfire clothes designed right at the company’s plant in Brooklyn.
But, there will be more in the store as it reflects the robust Saw Mill Club community of members whose athletics pursuits are diverse from Zumba, to yoga to spin classes.
Customers will find yoga props, fitness accessories and lifestyle Solfire pieces all presented in a warm, re-modeled shop including track lighting and TV.
“We created a more inviting, more welcoming environment with the store, “ said Athens.
For more information, contact the Pro Shop:
Phone: (914) 241-0797
Email: proshop@sawmillclub.com
