South Carolina high school students aim to coach

It’s never too early to start.

High school tennis players are in the learning stage of life. Thanks to a National Tennis Month event, the players are now on the journey to teach tennis.

The High School Coaching Clinic at the Dr. Eddie Floyd Florence (S.C.) Tennis Center was a success in three respects. 

First, a volunteer crew led by USTA Southern Board Member Ernie James introduced twenty area high school players to USTA Coaching. Second, they gave highly motivated teens another way of serving their communities. Third, they more than doubled the local Ron James Youth Tennis Program's (RJYTP) pool of potential assistant coaches.

Free three-hour clinic

The free three-hour clinic was the brainchild of James, who is also on the board of the Florence Tennis Association and RJYTP.

USTA Southern Manager, Coaching Development & Training Francie Barragan and Jerry Price, USTA South Carolina Manager – Team Play, focused on the basics of coaching beginners, including planning and organizing classes, explaining and demonstrating drills and building rapport with students. Players endorsed the clinic, saying it was a great experience that gave them a new appreciation for the coaching profession. Several signed up for the USTA Coaching program on the spot.

A student mentioned that she never realized how much she might enjoy coaching until she took part in the clinic. Another observed that he had been through hundreds of tennis lessons but never understood how much preparation they require. Most agreed that obtaining a coaching certificate could open many doors for them.

RJYTP leaders Ernie James, Vontella Kennedy James and this writer were on hand to help out with the logistics. Five Florence adults participated in the training with the high schoolers to improve their coaching skills.

Ernie James said, “Not a bad day's work. More coaching potential for our region and more teenagers looking at coaching as a great way to pick up extra cash now and possibly as a career that helps others, keeps you fit and lets you do something you love.”

Thanks go to everyone who contributed, including the area high school coaches and RJYTP parents who helped us recruit participants.