Hudson Native Comes Full Circle Coaching Tennis in the Parks
Six years ago, Sam Hergenhahn picked up a tennis racquet for the first time as a reluctant beginner in a local Tennis in the Parks session, an introductory program that brings accessible tennis to public courts. This summer, the 18-year-old can be found on those same courts, only this time, he’s the one running the drills.
Introduced to tennis at 12 years old, Hergenhahn first enrolled in Tennis in the Parks as an alternative to basketball during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the middle schooler's determination to continue his basketball career, Sam’s mother signed him up for the tennis program instead after noticing a flyer posted by the local recreation department.
“I really didn’t want to go,” Hergenhahn said. “Nobody in my family played tennis, but my mom said, ‘just try it for a couple weeks. If you don’t like it, then we won’t sign you up again,’ so I went, and I really liked it.”
His first Tennis in the Parks experience sparked an enthusiasm in Hergenhahn that transformed his athletic career. The teenager began taking lessons and participating in group sessions at Longfellow Tennis and Swim in Nashua, eventually entering into tournament play. Though he won only a match or two during his first year on the tournament circuit, facing high-level competitors motivated Hergenhahn to keep pushing.
His dedication paid off; by his freshman year of high school, just two years after his introduction to the sport, Hergenhahn was playing number one singles on Alvirne High School’s varsity team. He continued to compete at the top of the lineup throughout his four years and served as the captain from his sophomore through senior years.
Having experienced tennis in both public park and private club settings, Hergenhan quickly recognized the crucial role that community programs like Tennis in the Parks play in growing the game.
“Tennis in the Parks is not only awesome because people who don’t already play see the flyer through the rec department, giving them much broader outreach, but it is affordable,” Hergenhahn said. “It’s a lot more financially accessible to people that can’t afford private tennis clubs or to beginners that might not be able to make that initial commitment.”
Hoping to pass along the same welcoming experience that hooked him to the sport, Hergenhahn stepped onto the court as a volunteer assistant three years ago before transitioning into a lead coaching role for the Hudson program this summer.
“You get a supervised trial by fire when you’re volunteering,” Hergenhahn said. “It was awesome to be able to work with another coach, seeing tennis from a different perspective, because receiving coaching and providing coaching are two very different experiences.”
In addition to volunteering with Tennis in the Parks, Hergenhahn coached tennis at Longfellow Tennis and Swim. There, alongside mentor and fellow coach Charlie Paltsios, he learned that successful coaching is about making the game approachable and exciting, particularly for younger players.
Hergenhahn played number one singles throughout his varsity career at Alvirne High School.
“He taught me that coaching isn’t necessarily playing tennis nonstop; it’s making sure the kids have fun,” Hergenhahn said.
Whether that means weaving in games like balancing racquets or adapting his communication to connect with children from diverse backgrounds, Coach Hergenhahn focuses on keeping the energy high and the pressure low during his Tennis in the Parks sessions.
“It’s a true pleasure to have Sam coaching our Hudson Tennis in the Parks program,” said Eric Driscoll, the USTA New England Schools and Tennis in the Parks Manager. “He’s back to share his passion and knowledge, giving a new generation of kids the opportunity to play, build friendships, and experience the lifelong health and wellness benefits tennis brings."
Working with youth players has widened Hergenhahn’s perspective both on and off the court as well. Coaching taught him how uniquely each child sees the world, an insight that easily translates into his work as a naturalist educator at Beaver Brook Association, a non-profit nature center where Sam works full-time.
“Now I know that anything I say can be interpreted in 15 different ways by each of the kids,” Hergenhahn said. “Thanks to coaching, I’ve gone into every new experience with a much more open mind. You never really know what to expect.”
Beyond expanding his approach as an educator, Hergenhahn views tennis as a crucial way to keep kids active. He sees tennis as the ideal outlet for fostering growth, fun and independence.
“Tennis is an individual sport; it’s just you on your side of the net,” Hergenhahn said. “Your wins and your failures are 100% yours. You take responsibility for them. I think that’s really important for people to learn.”
As Hergenhahn prepares to start at the University of New Hampshire this fall, where he will study environmental science, he remains committed to growing as a coach and educator. Whether he is guiding one of his young players through a successful rally or checking another summit off his list to reach all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks, he approaches each challenge with a grounded and open mindset. No longer a student on the tennis court, Coach Hergenhahn ensures the next generation gets the same chance to fall in love with the sport that he did.
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