Crystal Sarlo has been an employee at Denver Public Schools for nearly 20 years, and her connection to John F. Kennedy High School (JFK) runs deep. A proud alumna of JFK’s tennis program, Crystal strives to restore a legacy that once defined the school.
“JFK was known for its tennis. Teams used to call it ‘Commander Ball’ when they would train against us,” Sarlo recalled.
JFK’s tennis program dates back decades, including a state championship win in the 1970s and a long-standing tradition of large, competitive teams often fielding 100 student-athletes across boys and girls programs.
Since COVID-19, the program has faced challenges and hasn’t been able to support the same level of participation and visibility.
Now, that’s about to change.
With brand new tennis courts on the way, JFK is entering a new chapter as Sarlo rebuilds the program and inspires a new generation of student-athletes.