The names are impressive.
There’s Olympic silver medalist Emilio Sanchez and two-time Wimbledon champ Don Johnson.
Feisal Hassan, co-chair of the USPTA National Education Committee, and Kirk Anderson, director of coach education and development for USTA are listed, as is Phil Wharton, who has trained hundreds of Olympic athletes.
And there’s Paula Scheb.
Yes, the Bonita Bay director of tennis and USPTA Master Professional was selected as one of about 30 representatives from six continents for the US Tennis Congress’ faculty.
“The faculty is an international composite of great teaching names,” said Scheb. “I am excited, honored and flattered to be part of it. There are really fabulous people involved.”
The US Tennis Congress is an initiative to give world-class training to adult recreational players.
Amateur players will be learn all aspects of training — from movement and strategy to injury prevention and mental condition and everything in between — on and off the court.
“Normally at workshops and seminars, it’s a set agenda,” said Scheb. “With this, you will decide what you want to work on. The seminar is based on the individual players.”
The first Tennis Congress will be held Oct. 11-14 in Atlanta.
“When I was a player and there was something like this, forget about it,” said Scheb. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for your average tennis player. I already have members that are going.”
The event was founded by P.J. Simmons, a self-described “tennisaholic” and serious recreational player.
“We designed the USTC to help more adults experience the kind of comprehensive, cutting-edge training a junior could at a tennis academy in order to fast-track their progress and fulfill their dreams,” Simmons said in a press release.
“It’s amazing how this is all coming together,” said Scheb. “I suspect this will be an annual event. I’ll be happy to go every time.”
For more information on the Atlanta event, go to ustenniscongress.com.
Slices
• The Fort Myers Racquet Club has a couple of summer options available. The M.A.D. Tennis Academy Summer runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays for players of all ages who want to play competitive tennis. There will be drills, fitness, match-play, video analysis and more. The M.A.D. Summer camp is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and is geared toward beginners age 5 and up. Proper technique and strokes will be covered in the morning and pool time is an afternoon option. Call 931-0015 for details or to register.
