High school coach of the Year: Ken Griffith
Most folks, after 20-plus years on the job, tend to let up a little. Kenneth Griffith is not “most folks.” Not only has he kept up his enthusiastic approach to providing tennis to his community, he seems to put more into his workday as time goes by.
Griffith is the boys’ and girls’ tennis coach at Henry E. Lackey High School in Indian Head, Md. The recognition he’s received for all his work with kids is extensive. But that’s not what makes Griffith our choice for TI’s 2013 High School Tennis Coach of the Year. It’s his commitment to ensure his students excel in the classroom, on the tennis court and in life.
“My players are learning how to be members of a society," he says. "That is based on competition, and tennis is a venue for their journey.” Griffith spends countless hours organizing and teaching for the local CTA, offering tennis programs for 10 and under kids, NJTL, JTT and even for adults.
“Ken has made a huge impact in the lives of many high school students,” says Alicia von Lossberg, USTA Maryland’s director of community tennis. “He uses tennis as a way for students to attain college educations and achieve successful business careers.” — Robin Bateman
Tips For Success
- Get involved in community tennis. Whether it’s your local CTA, JTT, Tennis on Campus, or even hosting your own tournament, connecting with local tennis strengthens your high school tennis programs.
- Cultivate strong relationships, which will help develop teenagers into adults.
- Concentrate on improvement. “It’s not about the wins. I want to see them improve.”
See all articles by Robin Bateman
About the Author
Robin Bateman 
is the site coordinator for the Tattnall Tennis Center in Macon, Ga., where she coordinates tennis program and leagues, is a tournament director, serves as a team captain, and assists junior teams competing at district, regional, and section events.
TI magazine search
TI magazine articles
- Our Serve: Rally Point for Tennis
- Our Serve: It’s Our Responsibility
- Industry News
- Facility Management: Party Lines
- Retailing Tip: Enjoy the Game!
- Tennis Industry Hall of Fame: Honor Society
- Growing Community Tennis: Hispanic Tennis Stars
- Home of American tennis: The ‘Go-To’ Place for U.S. Tennis
- Become a Racquet Guru
- Court Construction: Winter Break