Episodes

  • Ep. 54 Finding Purpose from corporate to the court- with Tarek Francis!
    Oct 29 2024

    In this episode of the Vida Tennis podcast, we welcome Tarek Francis, a seasoned tennis coach and entrepreneur based in Brussels, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Tarek shares his inspiring journey from corporate life at Nike and IBM to becoming a multifaceted leader in tennis. He discusses his diverse projects, including the Ikigai Business and Leadership Academy, Salon Tennis, and Smash Experience, as well as his innovative training modules for coaching and club management.


    Tarek emphasizes the importance of developing adult tennis programming and the need for coaches to embrace a more purpose-driven career. He introduces the concept of IKIGAI, encouraging coaches to balance on-court skills with off-court responsibilities. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of tennis compared to other sports like pickleball and padel, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the industry.


    Get ready to hear from one of the best out there, only here at Vida Tennis!


    Tarek's website:

    https://tarekfrancis.com


    Vida Tennis:

    www.vidatennispodcast.com

    Ig @vidatennispodcast

    Fb @vidatennis

    Contact us at:

    ⁠⁠⁠vidatennispodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Tennis/100092214093468/

    https://www.instagram.com/vidatennispodcast





    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus/support
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    41 mins
  • Ep. 53: Using humor as a learning tool- with Conor Casey!
    Oct 15 2024

    In this episode we welcome Conor Casey, a former professional and collegiate tennis player who now serves as the head pro at Kingston Tennis Club. Known for his humorous and engaging presence on Instagram as @coachconorcasey, Conor shares his unique journey from aspiring pro to beloved coach, revealing how he found joy in teaching after initially struggling with the pressures of competition.

    The conversation highlights the importance of humor in coaching and how laughter can create a more enjoyable learning environment for players.

    Conor's passion for tennis and teaching shines through, making it clear that his approach balances fun with accountability. Tune in for an insightful look at the lighter side of tennis coaching, underscoring the importance of humor and connection in the sport.


    Conor Casey:

    Ig: @tenniscoachconorcasey


    Tennis is having a midlife crisis


    Vida Tennis:

    www.vidatennispodcast.com

    Ig @vidatennispodcast

    Fb @vidatennis

    Contact us at:

    ⁠vidatennispodcast@gmail.com⁠

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Tennis/100092214093468/

    https://www.instagram.com/vidatennispodcast

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus/support
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    43 mins
  • Ep. 52: Unlocking the Power of Neuro-literacy- with Dr. Jack Groppel!
    May 20 2024

    Dr. Groppel shares his remarkable journey, seamlessly blending science and tennis into an extraordinary career. From walking onto the University of Illinois tennis team to becoming the youngest NCAA coach at 25, his path was anything but ordinary. He delves into his groundbreaking work in biomechanics, co-founding the USTA Sports Science Committee, and developing a revolutionary mind-body training system later acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Groppel also discusses the impact of technology and social media on the brain, offering insights into neuro-literacy and behavior change techniques for junior players. This engaging conversation provides a rare glimpse into the life of a true legend who has left an indelible mark on the world of tennis and sports science.


    WEBSITE:

    www.vidatennispodcast.com


    SUPPORT VIDA TENNIS/ Leave a voicemail:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus


    MERCH:

    https://vida-tennis-pop-up-store.printify.me/products/1


    EMAIL:

    ⁠vidatennispodcast@gmail.com⁠

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Tennis/100092214093468/

    https://www.instagram.com/vidatennispodcast

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus/support
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    47 mins
  • Ep. 51: Technology is Reshaping Tennis Instruction- with Ashley Owens!
    May 6 2024

    In this episode, host Jennifer Gelhaus interviews Ashley Owens, co-founder of Court Reserve, a tennis software company. Ashley shares how she and her husband Tim created Court Reserve to solve inefficiencies in court booking systems at their local club.

    From customer-driven development to extensive customization options, Court Reserve prioritizes addressing real needs of tennis clubs and players. Ashley believes building community is key for growing tennis, offering insights on using technology to enhance the business of tennis instruction.

    Get ready to hear from one of the best out there only here at Vida Tennis!

    Court Reserve:

    https://courtreserve.com


    WEBSITE:

    www.vidatennispodcast.com

    SUPPORT VIDA TENNIS/ Leave a voicemail:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus

    EMAIL:

    ⁠vidatennispodcast@gmail.com⁠

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Tennis/100092214093468/

    https://www.instagram.com/vidatennispodcast

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus/support
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    51 mins
  • Ep. 50: Revolutionizing Tennis: A Glimpse into Sports Technology-with Ruben Herrera!
    Apr 22 2024

    In the latest episode of the Vida Tennis Podcast, join us for an insightful conversation with Ruben Herrera, managing director of Base Tennis in Germany. Ruben, a co-founder of Base Edge and Exo Sports Management, is at the forefront of sports technology innovation, pioneering the implementation of Playsight on all their courts. Through his ventures, he provides consulting services to elevate training programs and operations in tennis federations, clubs, and academies. Tune in to explore the evolving role of technology in tennis and learn how Ruben's Win the Toss program is empowering coaches to thrive in their careers.

    Get ready to hear from one of the best out there, only here at Vida Tennis!


    WEBSITE:

    www.vidatennispodcast.com


    SUPPORT VIDA TENNIS/ Leave a voicemail:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus


    MERCH:

    https://vida-tennis-pop-up-store.printify.me/products/1


    EMAIL:

    ⁠vidatennispodcast@gmail.com⁠

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Tennis/100092214093468/

    https://www.instagram.com/vidatennispodcast

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus/support
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    50 mins
  • Ep. 49: Coaching Top Female Players- with Margie Zesinger!
    Apr 8 2024

    Discover the latest episode of the Vida Tennis Podcast featuring Margie Zesinger, Head of Female Tennis at IMG Academy. With over two decades at IMG and mentoring by Nick Bollettieri, Margie shares her wealth of experience and wisdom. From coaching top junior players to shaping aspiring athletes' careers, Margie's impact is profound. Join us as Margie delves into her journey, offering insights into tennis coaching and navigating the complexities of the sport. Get ready to hear from one of the best out there, only here at Vida Tennis!


    https://www.imgacademy.com/boarding-school/tennis-girls


    WEBSITE:

    www.vidatennispodcast.com


    SUPPORT VIDA TENNIS/ Leave a voicemail:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus


    MERCH:

    https://vida-tennis-pop-up-store.printify.me/products/1


    EMAIL:

    ⁠vidatennispodcast@gmail.com⁠

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Tennis/100092214093468/

    https://www.instagram.com/vidatennispodcast

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus/support
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    53 mins
  • Ep.48: Growing as a tennis coach and excelling in junior player development- with Aaron Rusnak!
    Mar 25 2024

    Join us for the latest episode of the Vida Tennis podcast featuring Aaron Rusnak, a seasoned tennis coach with 27 years of experience. Based in Chicago, Aaron's expertise spans various training methodologies and certifications, including PTR and GPTCA accreditation. As a specialist in racquet fit and resistance band training, Aaron excels in developing competitive junior players, having managed a program with over 600 junior players at its peak. In this episode, Aaron shares insights into his tennis journey, discusses the impact of technology on coaching, and explores the challenges of mentorship and recognition in the industry. Get ready to hear from one of the best out there, only at Vida Tennis!

    WEBSITE:

    www.vidatennispodcast.com


    SUPPORT VIDA TENNIS/ Leave a voicemail:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus


    MERCH:

    https://vida-tennis-pop-up-store.printify.me/products/1


    EMAIL:

    ⁠vidatennispodcast@gmail.com⁠

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Tennis/100092214093468/

    https://www.instagram.com/vidatennispodcast

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus/support
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep. 47: Leveraging analytics for everyday players- with Andy Durham!
    Mar 18 2024

    Tune in to the latest episode of the Vida Tennis podcast featuring Andy Durham, the brains behind RacketStats, a groundbreaking tennis statistics app. With 50 years of coaching experience, Andy's expertise spans all levels, from beginners to ATP and WTA pros. As a member of PTR and USPTA, Andy is passionate about analytics and has even revolutionized HBO's Wimbledon coverage with his insights. Join us as Andy shares his coaching journey and the inspiration behind RacketStats!

    Get ready to hear from one of the best out there, only here at Vida Tennis!

    WEBSITE:

    www.vidatennispodcast.com


    SUPPORT VIDA TENNIS/ Leave a voicemail:

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus


    MERCH:

    https://vida-tennis-pop-up-store.printify.me/products/1

    EMAIL:

    ⁠vidatennispodcast@gmail.com⁠

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    https://www.facebook.com/people/Vida-Tennis/100092214093468/

    https://www.instagram.com/vidatennispodcast

    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jennifer-gelhaus/support
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    59 mins