COACHING PHILOSOPHY

There are high expectations for all members of the AACS Tennis Program.  Each person involved with the team will be held to a high standard, both on and off the court.  Christian character development, sportsmanship and team play will be emphasized in everything we do.  Our goal as a coaching staff will always be to make the present season the best athletic experience each player and coach has ever had.  In doing so, our hope is that we will help these young men and women to become caring people of integrity, who will lead, be responsible and help change the world for good. 

Players will be evaluated on their commitment to the sport and team, their attitude and their talent.  Players will be treated as young adults and are expected to treat others with respect at all times.  The coaching staff will encourage intense play but will never tolerate dishonest line calls, trash talking or cursing.  It is essential that the coaching staff and players work hard each day and support each other, regardless of the wins and losses of the team.  Although we play to win, success on the court will be measured by hard work, focus, attitude, sportsmanship, growth and how well we represent Christ.

The role of the coaches is to demonstrate Christian character, set a standard of the pursuit of excellence in all areas of the student’s life and make themselves available to the student as a listening ear or mentor.   Players can expect the coaches to be prepared for every practice and match.  Coaches will demonstrate consistency and fairness.  Every player on the team will be valued regardless of their ladder position.  The coaches will not humiliate a player either publicly or privately.  Our hope is that there will be a healthy open line of communication between the coaches and the players.   

Finding balance can be very difficult with all of the demands on a student’s schedule.  The order of priorities for the tennis team should be:

• Spiritual and character development          
• Family
• Schoolwork
• Tennis Team

There will be a few rules that players must adhere to:

• Practices are mandatory.  If a player needs to miss practice, then he or she (not her parents, friends or teammates) needs to clear it with the head coach beforehand.  Few exceptions will be made.
• Players are expected to be on time to practice unless they are required to stay after school for an academic purpose.
• Cursing is not allowed.
• Honor your father and mother.
• Encourage and respect your teammates.
• Honor God in word and action.

Not only does competition build character, but it also reveals character.  We will glorify God in all we do, both on and off the court.  We will be committed to excellence as the Bible commands.  Coaches, players, families and fans are expected to be in control of their emotions and to never put themselves or their personal interests above those of the team or the school.

All coaches, players and parents should hold to the following expectations:

• Give a 100% effort each and every day.
• Support each other through the good times and not so good times.
• We are all Christian role models and should never embarrass ourselves, our families, Annapolis Area Christian School and most importantly, God.
• Be quick to praise others and slow to compliment ourselves…in other words, be humble.
• Work together to make this the most positive season we have ever had.