Award-winning coach Eva Castiglioni grows junior tennis in Wichita

Eva Castiglioni was practically born with a tennis racquet in her hands.

Castiglioni, the junior tennis director at Genesis Rock Road in Wichita, was introduced to the sport at 3 years old by her father, a former professional tennis player and regional tennis director for several clubs in France. She spent her youth putting in hard work as a player and participated in several International Tennis Federation tournaments. She achieved a top-100 ranking in her native Spain.

By the time she was 17, Castiglioni knew she wanted to continue her career playing tennis in college in the U.S. She played for Young Harris College in Georgia and Nicholls State University in Louisiana before suffering an injury her junior year that kept her sidelined from the sport.

But only as a player.

“I redshirted my junior season and had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer assistant coach for my college team,” she said. “That experience completely changed my perspective. I loved seeing the game through a coach’s eyes — analyzing strategy, helping players improve and supporting my teammates from the sidelines.

“It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the tactical and developmental side of tennis as well as the fire to be back to the tennis court, compete and cherish every second.”

Castiglioni graduated with a degree in business administration with a minor in sport science before earning her master’s of business administration degree from Cameron University in Oklahoma, where she also served as a graduate assistant coach for the women’s tennis team.

“That experience confirmed that coaching was more than just a job — it was the career I wanted to pursue,” she said. “Helping young athletes grow as tennis players and as people is what motivates me every day.”

Coaching Influences

Castiglioni has several people she mentioned who have helped shape her coaching philosophy, including:

“My father was my biggest inspiration. He instilled discipline, hard work, passion and the love for the game. Also, how you can change people’s lives. My mother taught me tenacity and solid values.”

“Coach Cameron Nix (of Young Harris College) for always believing in me and creating a positive environment for our tennis team.”

Growing the Game

The work continues for Castiglioni, who hopes to get Genesis Rock Road more involved with the USTA, especially its Junior Team Tennis programming. That would then bring more junior-focused events and tournaments to the club so players can learn how to compete in that environment.

In the meantime, she is working on getting juniors involved in tennis at a younger age.

“We are focused on growing our 10-and-Under department much more and providing more solid beginner programs to all ages, all year-round,” she said.

She hopes more coaches will join her in sharing the joy of tennis with children. She lauded tennis as a sport that can teach them so much both on and off the court.