New coaches set Axe tennis teams up for success.
This year, the SEHS boys’ and girls’ tennis teams both have new coaches and, so far, both teams are undefeated.
Andre Schlesinger is the new SEHS girls’ tennis coach. He’s been coaching full-time for 12 years and he is excited to be coaching the girls’ tennis team at South this year.
Why did you want to become a South tennis coach?
“I played tennis at South Eugene High School from 1996 to 2000 and really enjoyed my time playing for and attending school at South Eugene. It’s very rewarding to be able to come back to Eugene after all of these years and coach the team I used to play for.”
How are you feeling about this season?
“I feel great about this season! We are off to a strong start winning each of our first 5 matches. This team is composed of a wonderful group of student athletes with a wide range of experience. It is a lot of fun coaching this smart and talented team of tennis players.”
How would you describe your coaching style? What are some of your philosophies/values as a coach?
“My coaching style is to look at every player and to identify the biggest areas for improvement. I spend a great deal of energy taking actions that will bring my players the best return on investment in terms of their ability to win tennis matches. It is important to push my players outside of their comfort zone so that they learn to thrive under adversity. This ability really pays off in high pressure situations, both on and off the tennis court.”
How do you work to build community within your team?
“I encourage my players to support one another at every level. At practice, the team runs laps together in addition to practicing together. I have two team captains who have done a fantastic job of organizing the team for some fun events, fundraising, and leading them during basic conditioning at every practice.”
What has been the most rewarding part of being the girls tennis coach so far?
“By far the most rewarding aspect to coaching this tennis team is the process of helping each player push past their perceived limits, in practice and in matches. Watching them overcome challenges in practice and then succeed in match play is extremely rewarding. Time after time, I have watched my players perform above expectation in match play. I really couldn’t be more proud of this group of tennis players. I consider myself to be a very lucky tennis coach.”
Kenny Chu is the new SEHS Boys tennis coach and has been a certified Tennis Teaching Pro for 3 years.
Why did you want to become a South tennis coach?
“I work with a lot of students from South at the YMCA and wanted a push for Eugene to compete against the Portland schools where I am from.”
How would you describe your coaching style? What are some of your philosophies/values as a coach?
“My coaching style is very team-oriented. Team tennis is an interesting dynamic as we are technically a team sport, however players are sent out against other players either by themselves or with another person making the sport more individualized.”
How do you work to build community within your team?
“Creating a community in this sport is realizing that these players are playing for something greater than just themselves and they should have goals to build towards that. Being part of the team means you do your part to support the team in matches just as much as when you are not playing. I encourage all my players to high five each other and make noise when a good shot is hit not only for their own matches but their teammates as well.”
What has been the most rewarding part of being the boys tennis coach so far?
“The most rewarding part about coaching the boys this year is just seeing the energy of everyone. I feel as if everyone is always looking to support and bring each other up. We are doing exceptionally well and seeing everyone’s moral and fighting spirit to keep up the winning record is very impressive.”
The Axe 