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Coaching Tennis to Teenagers Makes Me Feel Young

There’s a certain kind of energy that buzzes around a tennis court filled with teenagers. It’s electric, unpredictable, and at times, exhausting. But more than anything, it’s invigorating. Coaching tennis to teens doesn’t just keep me connected to the sport I love—it makes me feel young.

Teenagers bring a raw enthusiasm that’s hard to match. Whether they’re chasing their first solid rally or grinding through a tough match, their passion is contagious. I see pieces of my younger self in them—the thrill of hitting a perfect forehand, the frustration of a double fault, the silent determination to get better. Being around that kind of drive reminds me of the days when I, too, was chasing a dream with sweat on my brow and blisters on my hands.

But it’s not just about reliving my past. It’s about being in the present. Teens keep me on my toes—not just with their speed and agility on the court, but with their questions, their music, their slang, their memes. They challenge me to stay current. I may be the coach, but they’re constantly teaching me new ways to connect, to communicate, to think. They pull me out of routine and keep life from getting stale.

There’s something timeless about watching a young player “get it”—that moment when technique, focus, and effort click into a breakthrough. I’ve seen shy kids grow confident, cocky players become humble, and all types in between find their voice through the game. Watching their growth isn’t just rewarding—it’s rejuvenating. It reminds me that transformation is always possible, at any age.

Sure, some days my back reminds me that I’m not 18 anymore, and keeping up with their pace can be a challenge. But honestly? I wouldn’t trade it. Coaching teens doesn’t just keep my body moving—it keeps my spirit alive. Their optimism, their resilience, their belief that anything is possible—it rubs off on me. It keeps me believing, too.

So yes, coaching tennis to teenagers makes me feel young—not because I pretend to be one of them, but because they remind me of all the reasons I fell in love with this sport in the first place. And as long as I’m out there with a racket in hand and a court full of eager players, I don’t think I’ll ever feel old.