HighFIVE: Mike Gruba

Mike Gruba steps in to help fuel Fraser Valley's tennis boom

The Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District found itself in a good news/bad news situation this summer. The good news was that they had a huge interest in adult tennis drill sessions. The bad news was that they only had one instructor!

Thankfully, Mike Gruba came to the rescue and volunteered to run the advanced adult drills. 

Mike had been a regular volunteer at the annual community single day free lessons, but this was his first summer helping on a regular basis. Kate Walker, the sole tennis instructor in Grand County, says that with only one instructor, “It is difficult to accommodate large groups. Summers are short at 8,500 feet, so if we limit class sizes, then many will go without drills and would have to wait until the next summer to get involved. I reached out to Mike, who I have played tennis with for over 20 years, to see if he could help out. Without hesitation, he agreed.”

An Illinois native who has called Colorado home since 1994, Mike is a lifelong tennis player whose love for the sport has been a true benefit to his mountain community.

“I have a great passion for the game, so if a person also has great passion for tennis, I love to help them improve. When students show their appreciation of my teaching, I feel like I’m contributing to their enjoyment of the game.” says Mike.

His interest in tennis started when his parents introduced him to the game when he was six. It was a family affair as his four siblings also play with some of them being involved in coaching as well.

Currently living in Tabernash, Mike works 10-hour days for the Town of Winter Park, but he would head over to the courts every Wednesday after work to help with the late adult classes. Walker says, “We couldn't have accommodated so many players without Mike’s help."

And, Mike’s contributions to tennis in Grand County go beyond his involvement with the adult community. Walker offered to pay Mike for his help with the adult drills, but he refused and asked that his wages be put back into youth programming instead.

When not on the court, Mike enjoys watching professional tennis tournaments, especially the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which he has been to 10 times!

Walker feels very lucky to have Mike as a part of her tennis community. She says, “He is a lifelong tennis fan and passionate player. While we don't have much organized tennis in Grand County, Mike will try to grab hitting time with anyone at any ability level.” Grand County tennis is very lucky, indeed.

MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks and this combination of size and private ownership provides our customers with a special brand of banking. We are a strong supporter of the communities we serve, investing time and money in important educational, charitable and civic organizations. Our volunteerism is powered by our employees from all of the communities in which we live and share with our customers. MidFirst Bank is a proud partner of USTA Colorado.