Wimbledon semifinalist and UVA grad inspires kids at Charlottesville camp

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – A former pro tennis player and University of Virginia graduate is back at Wimbledon this week.

Treat Huey was gearing up for his semifinal doubles match at Wimbledon eight years ago this week. Since putting down his racquet as a professional, he’s picked it up again as an assistant coach for the UVA men’s tennis team and as a camp director at the university’s Nike tennis camp.

“It’s fun to get out there and hit some with some of the kids that kinda know that I was a decent player,” said Huey. “They really think it’s amazing, so I enjoy to hit with them and have them enjoy that experience, for sure.”

While Huey is in London, the Nike tennis camp hosts kids from all across the area with dreams of doing what he did.

“I was fortunate enough to go out and play, I think 13 or 14 years in the pro tour,” Huey said. “I played all the biggest tournaments that I dreamed about as a kid. I did pretty well and absolutely enjoyed all my time traveling the world playing tennis, and it was something I still dream about to this day.”

The camp continues as Huey attends Wimbledon as a member of the “Last Eight Club,” an elite group of former players at the tournament.

Carlos Benatzky, an assistant coach for the UVA women’s tennis team and a fellow coach at the Nike camp, says the kids and counselors have felt Huey’s absence.

“Treat obviously brings a tremendous amount of knowledge,” Benatzky said. “He’s a fantastic player on the professional circuit himself…He’s definitely missed here. I know he’s missed by the kids, because he’s a fantastic coach and brings a tremendous amount of expertise.”

Benatzky says Wimbledon has made this week of camp particularly special, with UVA ties even beyond Huey.

“Obviously with having Emma Navarro and Danielle Collins going quite far in the tournament this year, especially Emma going into the quarterfinals, it’s super exciting for all of us,” Benatzky said. “And I think it’s a little bit of extra motivation for the kids for sure.”

Benatzky says a future Wimbledon great could be right here at the UVA courts.

“Coming to Wimbledon or playing at Wimbledon is it’s definitely quite a feat,” he said. “But you definitely have to keep your your optimism.”

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