Instructor of the Month: Stephen O. in San Antonio, TX

We at MyTennisLessons are excited to announce Stephen O. in San Antonio, TX, as our instructor of the month for September. He is doing a fantastic job teaching his students. We were able to find some time between lessons to ask Stephen a few questions.

 

1. You played tennis competitively in high school. What advice do you have for younger players hoping to make their varsity high school team or even go on to compete at the college level?
I must say that it is so important to play the game as much as possible. I remember investing in a basket and tennis balls, so that I could go to local courts to hit serves for an hour or so everyday. Instead of playing videogames or socializing on Facebook with friends, I found ways to get others and myself on to the tennis court just to stay active and fit.

 

2. Do you remember teaching your first lesson? If you can, describe to us what it was like.
Of course. Still to this day, I must admit that I still think about my very first lesson. My student was a young gentleman in his early years of high school who aspired to one day play for his varsity team. Being my first lesson and meeting with him, I really wanted to have an exciting, yet productive day. I felt it was very important for both of us to enjoy playing tennis, and learn in a fun and interactive way. We both still meet regularly and are preparing for the varsity tryouts.

 

profile_san-antonio-tennis-coach-stephen

 

3. What has been your most memorable moment as a tennis coach?

My most memorable moment as a coach came from one of my beginning students. She had a young competitive spirit, desiring to play tennis for the first time. Her first lesson was full of missed shots, shanked tennis balls and laughter all around. After a few exercises and teaching, her game improved tremendously. Over a span of five or six lessons, she was responding really well to instruction, and even challenged herself to try out for her school tennis team. We therefore set up a comprehensive schedule two weeks before her tryout. The good news I received from her mother after the tryout was a blessing to hear, and will always be a memory I will be proud of.

 

4. In your opinion, what is the most valuable thing you can teach a student about tennis?

My goal as an instructor is very simple. I aim to share the joy of tennis with others. While some find enjoyment in healthy competition, some prefer slow progression through leisure. In the end, tennis should be enjoyable for the student. Tennis should be a sanctuary to escape daily work life, relieve stress and enjoy physical activity with friends.

 

5. What do you enjoy most about teaching private tennis lessons?

I enjoy most the opportunity to share the gift of tennis with others. From my little aspiring champions ages 5 to 6 to my more mature adult students, being able to teach and share a relationship with them through tennis has made this opportunity most enjoyable. Some students want to reach Varsity competition in high school, or join a competitive adult league. Others want to try something new, or find an exciting form of exercise. Yet whatever be the case or interest of the student, I try my best to meet their goals, or discover new ones in the process.

Comments

I grew up in a tennis family with three younger sisters as doubles partners. If you enjoyed a blog post of mine or want to know more, feel free to email me at avery@mytennislessons.com. Thanks for reading and staying connected with MyTennisLessons!
Comments are closed.