ROCKPORT, ME- Seth Meyer is more than a tennis pro. He’s an advocate for the game, a philanthropist and a family man who is a staple in the Maine tennis community. The tennis director and head professional at Midcoast Recreation Center (MRC) in Rockport, Meyer works with players of all ages and abilities, ranging form red ball to USTA League and adult tournaments.

“My overall philosophy is to make sure everyone has fun, exercises and enjoys what they’re doing. I try and figure out what each player’s real desire is and then tailor that philosophy to them,” Meyer said.

 

A father to a nine-year-old son who is an up-and-coming player in his own right, Meyer holds a special place in his heart for youth tennis. Two years ago, he transformed the small red ball program at MRC into a 400-500 participant per year program. ADVERTISEMENT He and his staff offer the program for free for kids 5-8 years old three days a week, and it runs from September to June. Just for attending, each player receives a free racquet to continue improving their skills away from the club.

“I have a great passion for all kids’ programs. We’ve done whatever we can to promote this one especially and have put a lot of time and effort into figuring out the best way to run it,” Meyer said.

It’s made such a positive impact in its first two years that it contributed to MRC winning USTA New England’s 2017 Organization of the Year award. Meyer accepted the award in January at USTANE’s Annual Awards Ceremony.

“That was a huge honor and was so well received by everyone in our tennis community” Meyer said. “It’s always nice to be recognized for the work you’ve put in, and we appreciate what USTA New England has done to support us.”

Outside of teaching, Meyer has used tennis as an avenue to give back to those in need. Eleven years ago, he, along with his father Bruce, who is a teaching pro at the club, created an annual benefit tournament called “Serving To End World Hunger,” hosted by MRC. In addition, he and his mother, Carolyn, have run a tournament called “Serving To Prevent Homelessness” for the past five years in Damariscotta, ME.

To date, the two events have raised upwards of $250,000.

“In addition to tennis, a large part of my job is giving back to the community. I grew up in philanthropic family environment, so it’s pretty cool I get to run one these tournaments with each of my parents,” Meyer said.

“Seth is always so positive, innovative and willing to collaborate, and he always makes the best of the resources he has,” said Eric Driscoll, USTA New England Tennis Service Representative for Maine and New Hampshire. “He is someone who is extremely dedicated to growing the game and has become much more involved in the community as he’s seen the need.”

Meyer, his wife Erin and son Will, live in Camden, ME.

As part of Provider Appreciation Month, USTA New England is thanking dedicated tennis providers with web features, giveaways, networking summits and webinars throughout the month of April. 

To learn more about Meyer and Midcoast Recreation Center, visit their website.

To learn more about USTA New England’s Provider Appreciation Month, click here.