Should I play high school tennis? It's a question that every highly-ranked player confronts (along with should I attend school or should I be home-schooled?). It wasn't always this way …
Once upon a time in a tennis universe far away, almost every top player attended and competed for their high school.
I can go on about the benefits of the high school tennis experience as preparation for a successful and enjoyable college tennis experience as I've championed this argument in many blogs and articles. My goal today, however, is to recognize and congratulate the many girls who competed, as well as those who succeeded in making it to the New York State Girls High School Tennis Championships to be played this coming Halloween weekend. I have four students who will be playing in States and I am proud of them for their desire to represent their school, even if they are playing a few less sanctioned tournament matches and missing a few lessons.
Great job girls!
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Steven Kaplan Steve Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation, and executive director and founder of Serve &Return Inc. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationally- ranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. Many of the students Steve has closely mentored have gone to achieve great success as prominent members of the New York financial community, and in other prestigious professions. In 2017, Steve was awarded the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award by the USTA. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com. |