Q: How long have you been playing tennis?
A:I think I started when I was 6 years old, so 40+ years!
Q: How did you first get involved with USTA League Tennis?
A: I played some league tennis in Boston about 20 years ago, but I had no idea what I was doing. In earnest, I started playing USTA in Seattle, I think in 2009.
Q: What inspired you to become a team captain?
A: My friend Eric Lee is a great, long-time captain and I played on his teams when I first moved back to NorCal. When I got bumped to 4.5, we needed a captain in my area. I did it mainly to play with a group of guys – we were practicing together regularly so it made sense to have a team.
Q: What do you enjoy most about captaining a team?
A: Playing together with a group and seeing people get better.
Q: How did you become involved with the Adult Leagues Committee?
A: When I joined the board, I felt like it was an area where I could give back and help improve things. As amazing as League tennis already is, I think it is one of the ways to continue to grow the game.
Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering with USTA NorCal?
A: Being around people who are as passionate about tennis as I am.
Q: What has been your favorite league tennis memory so far?
A: I have some core memories from high school tennis, but it was pretty fun to make it to Nationals in 9.0 mixed with a really nice group of people.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a captain or volunteer?
A: Cliche… but just do it. You will be amazed by the multiplier effect you can have: when you captain or volunteer, you help create dozens of playing opportunities for other friends or people you will meet along the way.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not on the tennis court?
A: Sleep, eat, work, tennis. I also like to collect sports memorabilia and I like to cook.
Q: Is there anything you’d like league players to know about volunteering and giving back to the tennis community?
A: There are going to be A LOT of volunteer opportunities in NorCal over the coming years as we try to expand tennis to every pocket. So please volunteer — I am sure we will find ways to use whatever skills you have (tennis or other). And if you have ideas for how to get more people to play tennis in your community, even better! Bring them to USTA!
