A local YMCA teaching pro is truly an ace. The Maine Tennis Association named Boothbay Region and Central Lincoln County YMCA instructor Chantalle Arsenault 10 and Under Teaching Pro of the Year.

Arsenault received the honor Jan. 27 at the MTA’s award banquet. Arsenault has taught tennis locally since 2013. She is a U.S. Professional Tennis Association certified instructor. Arsenault was among 30 other Maine tennis instructors nominated for the award.

“There are so many great pros doing really great amazing things for junior tennis so this is truly a great honor,” Arsenault said.

In her local youth program, she instructs 20-40 students with classes five times per week in Boothbay Harbor and Damariscotta. She teaches the 10 and Under Program developed by the United States Tennis Association. The USTA introduced 10 and Under in 2010. Its modified format includes smaller racquets and courts and balls and courts with less compression.

“The 10 and Under program really helps kids in developing their shots as they progress in the game,” she said. Arsenault believes the local YMCA flexible program allows for more youth participation.

“It’s a year-round program so it gives more kids a chance to try something else, and then pick up tennis later in the year after playing basketball or some other sport,’ she said.

The Lewiston native played varsity tennis for four years at Lewiston High School. Arsenault played No. 1 singles all four years at LHS and the Blue Devils won four State Class A Tennis team championships.

At Bowdoin College in Brunswick, she was a four-year starter for a team ranked nationally as high as No. 6. She graduated in 2013 with degrees in sociology and education. In her first year teaching professionally, she was selected by the United States Professional Tennis Association New England as 30 and Under Pro of the Year.