Nina Sporn has played tennis in Prospect Park since she was six years old. Her father, Sam Sporn, is a renowned tennis pro who encouraged her at an early age to get in the game. Her love of tennis has been a lifelong passion that she shares with her family to this day.

Nina enjoys the social atmosphere and diversity of players at the center. She brings her entire family for private lessons and match play, including her daughter, husband, mother and tennis pro father.

In addition to her commitment on the court, Nina and her daughter Molly volunteer with the Alliance’s Special Aces program, an innovative tennis program for children with developmental disabilities. Volunteers work closely with tennis pros and therapists to help participating children enjoy active play. Nina has been with the program since its inception seven years ago. She loves that the program provides structure, exercise and confidence for kids who don’t typically have these outlets in their daily lives.

“Some of the kids have been with us since the very beginning, and the progress I see in the players is very gratifying,” she said. 

If you’re a regular at the Prospect Park Tennis Center then you’ve met Eric Johnsen, who works our front desk. Eric joined the staff of the Prospect Park Alliance over a decade ago, and has volunteered in the Park for more than 20 years. He’s devoted more than 4,200 hours of community service.

A Brooklyn native, Eric was born in Clinton Hill and grew up in Bay Ridge. He’s had a passion for Prospect Park since childhood. He explained, “My uncle took my brother and myself on the trolley to the zoo. That was back when they still had elephants.” He’s been in love with the place ever since.

Eric enjoys meeting new people at the Tennis Center, as well as helping visitors find their way when they’re lost. He still works with the Volunteer Corps, performing needed maintenance and landscaping duties. The bulk of his volunteer time is spent at the Special Events office where he works with sports teams to book the ballfields. On occasion, he’ll assist the fishing clinics at the Audubon Center, too.

In addition to being one of Prospect Park’s most committed advocates, Eric is also a talented baker. Say hello to him next time you’re at the Tennis Center.