NATCHEZ — Alex Miller is on the doorstep of becoming an Eagle Scout after constructing a tennis backboard at Duncan Park Saturday.

The Trinity Episcopal Day School senior brainstormed several ideas with Tate Hobdy of Stephens & Hobdy Insurance Agency to help tennis players at Duncan Park who desire to practice their tennis swing.

“We figured it would be a good project that not only we could benefit from, but everybody in the community as well,” Miller said.

Miller, who plays on the varsity tennis team at Trinity, knows what it takes to help area residents perfect their skills in the sport of tennis.

“The backboard won’t allow you to work on any mental aspect,” Miller said. “But you can get your timing and strokes down.”

Miller constructed the backboard with the help of several others, including his father, Mark Miller, and Hobdy.

“It’s always fun just to build something because you get to see the finished project in the end,” Miller said.

Mark was proud to see his son pursue his Eagle Scout rank — a task that does not come easy.

“Alex has stuck with it,” Mark said. “He plays sports, he works and he still finds time to take part in his scout work.”

Mark said Miller learned to set goals as he got older.

“Alex now has a much better ability to set his goals and not give up,” Mark said. “Sometimes goals can be overwhelming, but he’s learned to focus on an individual goal, complete it and move on to the next one.”

Hobdy said he was impressed by Miller’s hard work.

“Alex is well accomplished, well spoken and well driven,” Hobdy said. “Alex plays tennis, so he’s involved in the tennis community and I admire him for doing this project.”

Local businesses and organizations donated funds to Miller’s project to allow him to purchase the necessary materials needed.

“Each sponsor was very willing to support this project,” Hobdy said.

Although the construction of the backboard is complete, Hobdy said they will paint the backboard this month and print sponsor names on the board after the paint dries.