A great first year in Mathiesen Tennis!

Birth of a strong team

The primary goal this year was to strengthen our small team. We already had a strong core from last year with our high school players Nate, Tyler, Zane, and Jake, but this year we added the following regular players:

• Cadell Webb

• Irene Cobos

• Lucas Cobos

• David Cobos

• Luka Banic

• Lissette Tarin

• Anna Walton

• Audrey Walton

So not only do we have a stronger high school group with 6 players now, but we have younger groups as well starting from age 10.

When I started out in 2022, I was very aware of trying to create a team. Having a strong team is essential to the development of both the human being and the tennis player - they can inspire and learn from each other inside and outside of the court and it makes the day to day practice a lot more fun. Being in a strong team that goes through hard work and challenges together forms a tight knit bond that will always be there. Everyone that comes into the team must add something that makes the team stronger, and everyone truly does. I am very happy and grateful for what we created this year and the team we have now.

Individual development across the board

Generally, the first thing I want to get right with players are the movement mechanics and rallying skills. Only when the mechanics are right, they can practice quality repetition. If the mechanics are wrong, it is going to be impossible to reach a high level long term. Of course, this is simplified and there are a lot more to consider to keep motivation high and develop a balanced tennis human, but this is the main goal in the beginning. Everyone in the team have truly made huge progress in technique and movement development this year and even though tournaments and results generally haven't been the main focus (it will be in later stages) we've had some good progress on that as well. When I started with the high school group last year the level ranged from UTR 4.5 - 6 and now, one year after, it ranges from UTR 6 - 8.5, so good job everyone!

FUNdamentals kids tennis program summer 2024

It is essential to develop athletic motor skills, coordination, and movement mechanics from an early age, so from the summer 2024 we are starting our FUNdamentals program for kids aged 7-9 coming summer 2024. The best players in our team will be educated as assistant coaches to help build a quality program. The specifics of the program will be revealed in spring but for now you can read more about it here. We have a 1:4 coach to player ratio so there will be a limited number of spots.

Finally, I want to thank everyone that I'm working with in Mathiesen Tennis, both players and parents. It is a true joy working with every single one of you, thank you!

Happy new year everyone, I am very excited for the year to come with all of you. I have a feeling it's going to be a good one! 🎾🔥