HTP Podcast

In this conversation, we discuss the positive effects of tennis. We explore personal journeys in the sport, the importance of community support, and the role of positivity in competition.

Jen shares her experiences as a captain in women's leagues, the challenges of managing team dynamics, and the life lessons learned through tennis.

The discussion emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive attitude, especially in the face of adversity, and how these experiences shape not only players but also their communities.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Mackenzy shares her journey in tennis, discussing the importance of confidence, the challenges of balancing sports with personal life, and her experiences in college tennis. She reflects on her decision to transfer schools, the differences between the SEC and ACC, and her thoughts on parenting in relation to sports specialization.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Dale Light shares their journey from baseball to tennis to holistic tennis coaching, emphasizing the importance of playfulness, joy, and a holistic approach to training.

They discuss the transition from being a player to a coach, the significance of being present and adaptable in both tennis and life, and the value of resilience in overcoming challenges.

The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in achieving resilience in sports and personal growth.

Takeaways

In this conversation, Lee Anne shares her journey from Trinidad to becoming an elite tennis coach for junior tennis players at the Tennis Patron Academy (in Trinidad).

She discusses her early experiences in tennis, how her dad prepared her from a young age to travel internationally, and the pressures faced by young athletes.

Lee Anne emphasizes the importance of long-term dedication and community in tennis, particularly for young female players.

She reflects on her rediscovery of passion for tennis and provides helpful tips to aspiring athletes about the long-term benefits of dedication and...

Ashley Portwood shares her journey in tennis, discussing her role at USTA Southwest and the importance of community development in the sport.

She emphasizes the positive impact of tennis on individuals and the significance of coaching in shaping players' experiences.

The discussion highlights the various opportunities available in tennis, including leagues and community events, and the need for a supportive environment to foster a love for the game.

Takeaways

Linda shares her inspiring journey from being last picked on the playground due to childhood asthma & allergies to discovering the joy of pickleball as an adult.

She discusses how the sport has improved her physical & brain health and built a strong community of friends.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of trying new things, overcoming challenges, and finding joy in sports, regardless of age or skill level.

The conversation emphasizes the need for more inclusive sports like pickleball to encourage physical activity and connection among people.

Takeaways

Podcast Description

Spencer Gray shares his journey through the world of tennis, detailing his early experiences, the challenges he faced with toxic coaching, and the transformative impact of positive environments.

He discusses his transition from junior tennis to college to pro, highlighting the growth he experienced both as a player and as a person.

Spencer also reflects on his current role as a hitting partner for top 5 WTA player Jessica Pegula, emphasizing the importance of supportive coaching and teamwork in achieving success.

📝 Takeaways

In this episode of the HTP podcast, Katarina Petrovic, aka Kaca, discusses her journey from a young tennis player in Serbia to a successful head coach at FIU, winning 3 USA Conference Championships.

They explore the cultural shifts in tennis, the importance of education, and the evolving landscape of recruitment in the sport.

Kaca shares her personal experiences, coaching philosophy, and the challenges faced in developing a competitive team.

The conversation highlights the significance of passion, hard work, and the changing perceptions of college tennis.

📝 Takeaways

Lisa shares her inspiring journey from a promising tennis career to founding Love Serving Autism, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with autism through tennis.

The conversation explores her early experiences in tennis, the challenges she faced transitioning to a career in speech therapy, and the obstacles encountered while building her nonprofit.

Lisa emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in sports and the profound impact tennis can have on children with developmental disabilities.

She also discusses the significance of maintaining perspective during tough times and the rewarding nature of her work.

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In this inspiring episode, Gira sits down with Allie to explore her tennis journey—from hitting balls with her father in Ohio to playing at the Naval Academy, and eventually transitioning into coaching and mentoring tennis players.

Along the way, Allie shares the profound influence of her early coach, Susan Cinciala, and the pivotal role tennis played in shaping her resilience.

Today, Allie uses her experience to help players embrace balance by integrating yoga, mindfulness, and academics alongside tennis.

Her advice to young athletes is clear: nurture re...

When Fernando left Guatemala for Florida at 13, he faced culture shock, a language barrier, and a brand-new world. Tennis became his safe space, taking him from high school to the professional tour, then to getting a full ride to the University of Southern California.

Fernando talks about the importance of personalized coaching, how to avoid overwhelming players, and why the mental side of the game is just as important as the physical.

In this episode, Fernando shares what it takes to coach junior tennis players in today’s complex tennis world, why patience and listening ma...

Kyle LaCroix’s story is anything but ordinary. In this episode, he shares how he went from a swimmer to a sought-after tennis mentor. We talk about his years at the Oaks, the launch of SETS, and how he's helping coaches around the world level up their careers with a lifetime of support and business savvy.

Kyle doesn’t hold back as we get into the mindset shifts required in today’s evolving tennis landscape. From the fear of standing out to the biological comfort of conformity, we explore how coaches can break through their own limits—and why...

Dominique (aka Dom) joins the HTP Podcast to share a vulnerable and inspiring journey—from her early days in the Bahamas to tennis academies in the U.S. to becoming a psychotherapist.

Dom opens up about choosing tennis over other sports at age 12, what it was like moving alone to the U.S. at 14, and how a sport she once hated became the catalyst for her career in mental health.

We dive into the highs, the heartbreaks, and how her experience as a young athlete struggling with perfectionism and self-doubt gave her emotional resilience she le...

Tennis isn’t just about the wins and losses—it’s about who you become along the way.

In this episode, Gira sits down with Greg to unpack how focusing on the process over results helps athletes thrive, both on and off the court. Greg shares how his father’s love for tennis laid the groundwork for a lifelong journey of growth and teaching players to prioritize mindset and personal growth over trophies alone.

They also explore the evolving tennis industry, the role of mental preparation, and how to lead athletes toward a healthier, more resilien...

Leslie Banks started tennis at age 3 and never looked back. Now, as the founder of Serve the Future, she’s using her lifelong love for the game to empower underserved youth through tennis, opening doors many never thought possible.

From her early days growing up in a competitive tennis family to coaching at just 15, Leslie shares her journey of grit, resilience, and growth within the tennis world. She dives into the challenges of transitioning from coaching at clubs in Houston to stepping out on her own in Phoenix, where she followed her calling to create a nonprofit de...

Ever wondered what it’s really like chasing the pro tennis dream? In this episode of the HTP Podcast, Gira sits down with Amanda Moore (Fink), former top 300 player, tennis scholarship to the University of Southern California, and passionate coach, to unpack her journey from age 8 with a racquet in hand to the professional circuit.

Amanda shares the raw realities of life on tour—from the independence and confidence tennis builds to the quiet loneliness between matches.

She dives into the importance of setting realistic goals, understanding your travel and support needs, and planning your path...

In this episode, Nicole Fintell shares her journey from a 7-year-old tennis camper to 2x Texas state champion, D1 college athlete, high-performance junior coach, college coach, and USTA Southwest’s junior player development manager.

We explore the ups and downs of junior tennis, the challenges of isolation, and why it’s essential to focus on long-term development.

Tennis is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong teacher.

Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, you’ll gain practical insights into navigating the challenges and joys of tennis.

Key Points: Duration: 00:09:38

In this episode, Kate Paulus shares her powerful tennis journey—from picking up a racquet in Kansas City to competing at the Division 1 level at TCU.

She opens up about the emotional toll of injuries, the mental pressure of elite tennis, and how gratitude and perspective helped her through the toughest moments.

Kate also gets candid about hot-button topics like fairness in women's sports and the value of creating safe spaces for all athletes.

This conversation is equal parts real, reflective, and inspiring.

Key topics:

Can you teach yourself tennis and actually get good? Rogelio proves it’s possible!

In this episode, we talk about DIY tennis, engineering mindset, and using tennis as a way to meet people, grow confidence, and build community.

He shares how a little competition (with a teacher!) kept him pushing, how he stayed focused with limited support, and how tennis helped him make friends and stay grounded while studying engineering at Boston University.

Whether you’re new to tennis or a longtime player, Rogelio’s story proves that grit, curiosity, and a bit of cre...

In this inspiring episode, Olivia Kim shares how she went from playing tennis just once a week in 9th grade to earning an academic scholarship to play collegiate tennis at Trinity.

After switching schools and homeschooling to pursue the sport full-time, she pushed through self-doubt, gossip, and early setbacks in a competitive tennis community.

Olivia opens up about overcoming the pressure, finding confidence, and thriving in a positive college tennis environment.

Now a psychology grad set to become a therapist for kids with autism, she reminds us that perseverance and passion can lead...

What happens when tennis opens doors beyond the court? 🎾✨

In this powerful episode of the HTP Podcast, Gira Schofield sits down with Trang, a junior in high school who shares her inspiring journey from Vietnam to the U.S.—and from picking up a racquet to earning a college scholarship. 🇻🇳➡️🇺🇸

Trang opens up about:

✅ How Serve the Future nonprofit changed her life

✅ Learning tennis later than most—and thriving anyway

✅ Earning a scholarship to Canyon College through hard work and mindset

✅ Her dream of becoming an experimental psychologist

✅ Advice for y...

Is positive self-talk enough? In this episode, part 3 of positive self-talk, I get real about the limits of positive self-talk in tennis—and why it won’t work in certain pressured situations unless you actually believe it.

I’ll break down the truth about mental toughness, subconscious patterns, and why meditation and journaling are the real training grounds for your mind. 🎾🧠

You’ll hear:

If you want to s...

Ever feel like your biggest opponent is you?

In this episode, we’re taking you through a calming, powerful guided meditation to help you rewire your self-talk, shake off self-doubt, and step into your power — point by point, breath by breath.

Through deep breathing, full-body relaxation, and powerful visualization, you'll learn to:

✨ Quiet the mental noise during matches

✨ Reframe negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough.”

✨ Replace them with game-changing affirmations like “I have what it takes to compete.”

✨ Visualize yourself staying focused, strong, and confident — no matter what the score...

We all do it—even the pros. In Part 2 of our self-talk series, we’re diving into why negative self-talk creeps in (hello, pressure!) and how to flip it into something powerful and productive.

Learn how to catch your mental patterns, reframe them, and coach yourself mid-match like a pro.

🎧 Tune in and train your brain, or remain the same.

Ever feel like your own brain is your toughest opponent? 😅

In this episode of the HTP Podcast, we’re diving into the science of self-talk — how the words you say to yourself can either build your game or break it down.

💬 Learn why your brain believes everything you tell it, how to rewire your mindset for performance, and why players like Djokovic and Coco Gauff are talking to themselves—for good reason.

🎾 This is part 1 of our 3-part series on mastering your mental game—don't miss it! ✨ Take a breath, tune in, and start training your...

Take a break from the grind and join me for a calming guided meditation designed just for tennis players. This episode walks you through deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and tennis-focused visualizations (think smooth forehands, powerful serves, and that sweet feeling of flow).

💭 What’s inside:

Perfect for pre-practice prep, post-practice recovery, or anytime you need to reset.

Hit play, breathe deep, and let go.

In this episode, Gira gets real about a skill most players totally overlook: how to breathe when you're playing tennis. Sounds basic, but it’s a total game changer.

✨ You’ll learn:

Whether you’re new to the game or just never learned how to breathe right, this episode will help you stay relaxed, focused, and powerful from first serve to match point.

🫁 Let’s make breathing your secret w...

Episode 6 is a guided meditation; you’ll learn how to unlock instant confidence by quieting your mind and reconnecting with your body.

Through breathwork, full-body relaxation, and powerful visualization, you’ll release self-doubt and feeling like "you're not good enough."

Let go of outcome-based thinking and return to a grounded, fearless version of yourself—one that plays with joy, presence, and trust.

By the end, you’ll feel calm, focused, and ready to step onto the court with confidence.

Train your mind, like you train your strokes. It is ideal to listen t...

Episode 5 is a guided meditation to help you overcome performance anxiety and step onto the court with confidence.

Through deep breathing, progressive relaxation, and powerful visualizations, you’ll learn to quiet your mind, focus on one point at a time, and trust your game.

Tune in now to prepare your body and mind for positive peak performance!

Train your mind, like you train your strokes. It is ideal to listen to this meditation every day for 33 days and see the magic unfold.

In this episode, we dive deep into how to handle pressure before and during a match—one of the biggest challenges tennis players face at all levels. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive junior, pressure doesn’t have to be your enemy. It can be your greatest teacher.

Let's explore:

✅ Pre-Match Preparation: Simulating pressure scenarios, using visualization techniques, and developing calming breathwork routines.

✅ Mindset Shifts: Learning to focus on the process, break matches into manageable points, and reframe pressure as a privilege.

✅ In-Match Strategies: Using self-talk, physical resets, and maintainin...

In Episode 3, we tackle a challenge every tennis player faces at some point—performance anxiety before a match. Whether you're stepping onto the court for a tournament or a friendly game, those pre-match nerves can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you can train your mind and body to manage those emotions and thrive under pressure.

We will cover:

✅ Understanding Performance Anxiety: Why it happens and how to shift your focus from fear to confidence.

✅ Visualization Techniques: Using mental imagery to create a sense of calm and control.

✅ Breathwork Strategies...

In Episode 4, we’re breaking down a powerful concept that can transform your game—instant confidence. Most players believe confidence takes months (or even years) to build through results, repetition, and mental conditioning. But what if you could tap into confidence instantly, right before stepping onto the court?

We’ll explore:

✅ Where Confidence DOESN’T Come From: Why affirmations, match results, and self-image aren’t reliable sources of lasting confidence.

✅ The Real Source of Confidence: Shifting into a ‘nothing to lose’ mindset that frees you to play your best tennis.

✅ How to Let Go of Fear an...

🎾 We’re diving into one of the most crucial aspects of the game: developing mental toughness.

Whether you're:

✅ A player striving to reach your personal best,

✅ A coach guiding your athletes, or

✅ A parent supporting your junior player, mental toughness is the glue that holds everything together in high-pressure moments.

In this episode, we’ll break down the key pillars of mental toughness, including:

🎯 Awareness: Recognizing your thoughts and emotions during matches.

💪 Preparation: Building confidence through intentional practice and rituals.

🧠 Mindset Shifts: Focusing on the process, not th...

Welcome to The Podcast: Holistic Tennis Performance!

This is your space to build mental toughness, elevate your game, and thrive as a whole person—not just a tennis player.