Which title fits the best: International traveler? Professional tennis coach? Tournament director?

For Rocklin resident Monty Basnyat, perhaps his most important title begins with his role as father of Heather Basnyat, a Rocklin High School senior with a proven tennis track record and a collegiate career awaiting her after graduation this June.

Monty Basnyat, a Rocklin resident for seven years, is a well-known face in the numerous tennis circles that pepper the entire length of Placer County.

Basnyat, professional coach and pro, is also principal of FITT Tennis School and FITT-4-Life, a nonprofit organization that he created to help kids find tennis coaching and mentoring — he often arranges for scholarships for players.

It is this spirit — helping young tennis players reach their potential — that propelled Basnyat into the energy behind a community tournament play co-sponsored by the United States Tennis Association.

June 2-14, the community will benefit from the planning of the 8th annual Recoating West Pro Circuit professional tennis tournament committee, led by Basnyat.

In addition to bringing top-tier tennis competition to the Del Oro High School tennis facility on Taylor Road in Loomis, the entire week of tennis is free to the community and features many events.

Two of these are the annual KIDS Day on Saturday morning, June 6. Youngsters are encouraged to sign up and enjoy a morning of free tennis instruction, prizes and lunch. Tournament play will continue throughout the week with the final matches June 12-14.

For tournament director Basnyat, his love of tennis began at age 6, with his first tournament at age 8, through a junior tennis program in Kathmandu, Nepal, his native country.

This past winter Basnyat returned to Nepal, nestled in the Himalayas and in the crossroads of political conflict, to help youngsters get a tennis start.

“The trip was incredible and at times challenging, but the opportunity to help some very eager children was life changing,” Basnyat said.

More about his trip can be found at the tournament Web site at rwiprocircuit.org.

According to the U.S. Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, tennis is fast becoming the most popular sport among all age groups. Basnyat said this is very understandable.

“Tennis does not require the time or dollar commitment of other sports and it can be played by all age groups and abilities,” he said.

Volunteers from throughout the county have been busy preparing for the tournament. Already, the Del Oro tennis courts have been resurfaced and several members of the Del Oro High School tennis team signed up to help during tournament week.

Yet, despite a full schedule, Basnyat said he will find time to cheer his daughter through her final matches for Rocklin High School’s varsity tennis team.

Next fall, Heather will be playing Division I college tennis on a full tennis scholarship at the University of Montana. She is currently ranked 15 in the Northern California 18 and under division.

“The RWI Pro Circuit brings the whole tennis- playing community together. It fires up the kids, motivates the adults and gives players from all over the world an opportunity to live the dream,” he said. “The only way we make this happen is with the help of volunteers of the community.”

Total tournament purse is $15,000, sponsored in part by two local businesses Recoating West Inc. of Loomis and Edward Jones/Gene Delyon of Rocklin.

A full tournament schedule and information on players can be found at

rwiprocircuit.org.