Teacher, High School Coach Maddy Platko illustrates passion for tennis

With the start of the 2024-25 school year just around the corner USTA Missouri is highlighting Maddy Platko, a Springfield-based teacher and high school tennis coach.

Sports are an important part of a high school student’s experience. Whether it is competing on a team or cheering on their school, sports are a hub for community and friendship. A teammate can become a close friend while a coach can become a role model, which is what has happened for Springfield tennis coach Maddy Platko.

Platko is a former Central High School tennis coach and this will be her first year coaching at Kickapoo High School, also in Springfield, Mo. She’s entering the school year as the girls’ and boys’ assistant coach. Platko is a USTA Missouri adult league captain, competitor and helps run district events and tournaments. She has a long history with tennis, but as a kid she played a variety of sports.

“Growing up, I played just about every sport known to man,” Platko said. “I played soccer, softball, basketball, volleyball, competed in gymnastics, danced, swam, etc. However, I didn’t start playing tennis until seventh grade. I fell in love very quickly with tennis but was still competing in basketball, volleyball and track.”

Platko competed in some USTA junior tournaments but due to where she lived in Arkansas, tournaments were often two to three hours away. Instead, she practiced and competed at her local club.

“In Arkansas you play singles or doubles every match, never both,” Platko said. “There isn’t a separate tournament in state for team or individual. Instead there is a singles and doubles bracket, and whichever team scores the most over both brackets takes the title. During my senior year my doubles partner and I were state runner-ups and our team placed first, winning the 6A state championship.”

Platko carries the same dedication and passion for tennis into her coaching career. She puts in the work to understand each of her player’s goals and ambitions when on the court.

“I want as many kids as possible to love tennis like I do,” Platko said. “A player’s passion for the game can look different. Some players want to be as competitive as possible. Others just want to be able to hit the ball and have fun with their friends. I personally just want to see as many players as possible out playing.”