Junior Tennis Champion of the Year: Jack Newman
The Austin Tennis Academy in Texas was founded as a junior tennis training facility. “It’s what separates us from other tennis facilities,” says Jack Newman. “Our business model is totally junior-tennis-driven programming, from kids as young as 5 to college. We have some adult programs, but not much, and they know they’re second-class citizens here.”
Under the direction of Newman, who is the CEO and a head coach — and is Tennis Industry’s Junior Tennis Champion of the Year — the academy prides itself on “helping junior tennis players reach their full potential,” according to the mission. The ATA’s track record with its young charges shows the ATA is developing “citizens of significance, not only of success.”
“As one of the leading developmental coaches in the country, Jack has consistently produced not only top players, but top human beings — thereby ensuring the future of our sport, and the strength of character of its participants,” says Steve Cobb, director of competitive tennis for USTA Texas.
ATA has 12 hard courts and two new red clay courts, and was one of the pilot programs for using red, orange and green balls. The academy also has kids playing 36- and 60-foot tennis.
“We use tennis as a way to understand what you can become and what you can achieve, and that you can accomplish anything in life,” Newman says.
— Peter Francesconi
Tips for success
- If you make decisions based on what’s best for the student, it’s very difficult to go wrong.
- Help students identify and define what their tennis dream is, especially with elite players.
- Parents are a part of the team and have to be involved in the process. “In many instances, they also have to be educated,” Newman says. “You have to share your experiences with parents to help them make good decisions.”
See all articles by Peter Francesconi
About the Author
Peter Francesconi 
is editorial director of Tennis Industry magazine.
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