Winning Strategies

What I can bring to your club...

Tennis Director

Having been in tennis for almost 40 years (54 years if you count my junior tennis and college career), I feel that I am highly qualified to bring to your club a level of expertise, care, passion, and increased revenues. There are the tangible factors such as those listed below, but there are also the intangibles that can’t be represented on a resume. My organization and attention to detail, my temperament, my ability to assess situations quickly and take steps to solve them or re-direct them in a positive direction, and my overall passion for tennis in general. Below are the tangibles…

Intra-Club Activities and Programs

I feel that it is extremely important to be reaching and engaging as much of the membership as possible. Obviously there is never consensus on drills, league play, competitive play, etc. but the challenge is to reach all of these members with a wide range of options that not only appeal to them but also that work for their schedules. For example, early morning Live-Ball groups for professionals needing to be on the road early, weekend or evening mixed-doubles events for couples,  or Davis Cup-styled events that stretch over longer periods of time that bring members together that may not have connected otherwise. There are countless ways of implementing these but it is also contingent upon factors that are unique to each club. 

Hiring and Training of Teaching Staff

The teaching staff at your club can really make or break your program. Having seen so many programs over the years that lack a consistency, both in turn-over and teaching methods, it is absolutely essential to have a philosophy that defines your instructional staff. There will always be different personalities and teaching "styles," but if the core principles are there, your members develop a trust and therefore a likelihood of continuing to utilize the teaching staff. It also makes it much more seamless if teachers need to sub for others who may need to miss their lessons. I take this quite seriously and know the importance of, not only having a capable staff, but also staying current with how that staff is performing. Teaching can be taxing and many teachers can lose enthusiasm or attention and it is of utmost importance to check in with them on a regular basis to keep the program positive and moving in the right direction

Pro Shop Management

Having owned a tennis shop, I bring an expertise to this area that many may not. The sheer volume of ever-changing  racquet brands and types, string materials, stringing, clothing, meeting payroll,  and inventory control are areas that I have dealt with on a regular basis my entire adult life. I also really enjoy life in the pro shop. This is where members come in to discuss their equipment, their tennis games, philosophies on the game, and maybe the results of a current major that is being played. For tennis lovers, this is like the office water cooler-- a place to wax philosophical, compare notes, and celebrate (or mourn) a match that you just played. If the shop is run well, it fosters a sense of professionalism in the entire club. Members get what they need when they are at the club (reducing on-line ordering), they are recognized by the staff and therefore their needs are met quickly and efficiently, and their games are known by the teaching staff as well as the shop staff, which allows for expert advice on them specifically.

Court Maintenance

There is no doubt that a well-maintained facility is paramount, and the condition of the courts is a daily concern. I have had experience with hard courts, red clay courts, and har-tru courts my entire life. Court maintenance is a dynamic issue, one that can change from day to day--heavy rains that flood a clay court, sprinklers that malfunction, wind screens that come loose, or any multitude of issues that can occur. It is essential to have a staff that can address these issues quickly or to have quick access to outside help that you have developed good relationships with. Having worked at a range of facilities over the years, I have a good working knowledge of how to address most court issues.

 

Inquiries

I am available to interview in person, via virtual meeting, or by phone. My geographical preference is for tennis club positions/programs in Southern California.

Please feel free to contact me at:

E-mail: ChrisSchoopTennis@gmail.com

Cell: 310.968.9539