There are people who teach the game, and then there are those who teach you how to understand it. Jason Brown was that person for me.
Jason worked with me day in and day out — early mornings, late evenings — always with the same patience, focus, and genuine commitment to my growth. He didn’t just coach me; he invested in me.
He taught me more than forehands and footwork. Jason taught me strategy, geometry, and how to see the court — to think one shot ahead and understand the game’s deeper rhythm. He helped me prepare for my USPTA Professional Teacher’s Certificate, pushing me to master not only my technique but my understanding of how to teach others.
We traveled to professional tennis tournaments together, talking tennis the entire way — studying matches, breaking down plays, and discussing what it really takes to succeed in this sport. Those experiences shaped my perspective as both a player and a coach.
But what made Jason truly exceptional wasn’t just his knowledge. It was his heart. He was a mentor, a friend, and someone I could always talk to — about tennis, about life, about purpose.
I was that kid he took the time to teach, and because of his patience, guidance, and belief in me, I became not just a better player — but a better person.
(Jason is to the left of me in the picture.)
David Lee was one of the most straightforward and impactful mentors I’ve had on my tennis journey. He was all about technique, focus, and discipline — no shortcuts, no excuses. David would take the time to analyze my strokes, evaluate my court presence, and help me understand how attitude affects performance.
He was a driving force in helping me get my mental game together. His honest feedback and steady approach pushed me to stay composed and confident under pressure. David’s coaching style was both sharp and supportive — always challenging, always constructive.
Many times, David was on the court alongside Jason. As you can see in the picture, the two of them worked as a powerful team — together they were the hammer, and I was the nail. The lessons they drilled into me about mindset, consistency, and professionalism still guide me today.
Nate was one of the most influential mentors in my tennis journey. He brought a calm, professional presence to every interaction — always composed, insightful, and generous with his time. He had a unique way of teaching that went beyond the court, helping me understand not only the techniques of the game but the mindset behind it.
He was the first to enter me into official tennis tournaments, making sure I had the confidence and preparation to compete. Nate often took the time to sit with me, discuss strategy, and share his deep knowledge of the sport. His thoughtful guidance and steady encouragement shaped both my development as a player and my appreciation for the game.
He was more than a coach — he was a friend, a mentor, and a true professional who gave freely of his time and experience to help me succeed.
Some mentors refine your game, others refine your mindset — Jesse did both.
Jesse spent countless hours helping me understand the art of tennis. He would sit with me, break down my stroke technique, and take the time to explain not just how to do it, but why it mattered. His patience and attention to detail helped me rebuild my form and confidence from the ground up.
What I admired most was his willingness to talk about anything and everything tennis — strategy, form, the mental side of the game, even life lessons that connected back to the court. Every conversation with Jesse left me thinking deeper and playing smarter.
He was more than a coach; he was a true mentor — someone who cared enough to invest his time, energy, and knowledge into my development. I appreciate him deeply and hold the utmost respect for the impact he’s had on my journey.
Every player needs someone who challenges them to see the game differently — Pierre was that mentor for me.
He was always offering constructive criticism, delivered with purpose and care. Pierre took the time to play, to teach, and to explain, always making sure I understood not just what to do, but how to think my way through every shot and situation.
He opened my eyes to many of the game’s finer techniques — the small adjustments that make a big difference. What stood out most was his consistency and generosity with his time. He didn’t have to give as much as he did, but he chose to, because he cared about the people he coached and the game itself.
Pierre was more than a teacher; he was a friend, a mentor, and a constant reminder that growth in tennis — like in life — comes from being open to learning.