Touring professional coach and motivational speaker, Philip Farmer, recently presented the keynote address at the Texas Tennis Coaches Association’s (TTCA) Annual Convention in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
Sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods, Farmer addressed the country’s model organization for school tennis associations, TTCA, and its more than 600 members.
“I was really impressed with the whole weekend,” Farmer said, expressing nothing but praise for the governing body and the participants at the convention.
“It was an unbelievable event to experience, with middle school, high school and college coaches coming together. Over 600 coaches got together in Texas to celebrate and improve our skills to help all these kids.”
“The word ‘family’ stuck with me. I don’t think there are as many organizations that stage this big of an event,” said Farmer.
A North-Dallas area resident, Farmer has mentored some of the top tennis players in the world, most recently coaching Austin Krajicek, who teams up in doubles with Ivan Dodig, The duo reached the doubles final of the 2022 French Open, and achieved a ranking of six in the world.
Farmer, who has also coached Bob and Mike Bryan and recently signed on to coach ATP Tour veteran John Isner, believes strongly in “adding value to the players’ games at all levels.”
“I try to add more value to the players when they are not hitting the ball,” Farmer stated.
“Half of the time in singles, we are not hitting the ball. In doubles, every time someone who hits the ball, there are three other players who are not hitting. I try to get the players to use their eyes and vision as a weapon to see the play better. I try to improve their footwork and balance, court position, and anticipation,” Farmer said, pointing out that players come from different backgrounds and experiences.
“For me, the most beautiful gift of coaching is learning how to get your message to them where it clicks, as every player is unique.”
“Coaching is such as great gift and privilege!”
TTCA HALL OF FAME | COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
Hall of Fame Inductees
Tim Calhoun, Sammie Courington, Bobby Kramer
Special Coach of the Year Awards
Carey Caldwell Award | Garry Kemp – Willis HS
Ike Groce Vision Award | Kim Cornsilk – Holliday HS
Loretta Hrncir Dedication Award | Terry Hoover – Brownsville Hanna HS
Jim Longbotham Leadership Award | Corey Aldridge – Southlake Carroll HS
Kim Enocksen Integrity Award | Tyson Stewart – Boerne HS
Brandon Clark Courage Award | Manuel Moreno, Jr. – Dobie HS
Holly Ford Sportsmanship Award | Gregg Parker – Clear Springs HS
Coach of the Year Awards
Middle School Coach of the Year | Rich Bryan – Abilene Madison MS
4A Assistant Coach of the Year | Nolan Pritchard – Uvalde HS
5A Assistant Coach of the Year | Wyatt Johnson – Ennis HS
6A Assistant Coach of the Year | Karl Burford – Katy Seven Lakes HS
Private School Coach of the Year | Steve Gleaves – St. John’s HS
2A Coach of the Year | Staci Jenkins – Christoval HS
3A Region 4 Coach of the Year | Cynthia Chavez – Robert G Cole HS
3A State Coach of the Year | Josh Jones – Peaster HS
4A Region 2 Coach of the Year | Cortland Davidson – Van HS
4A Region 4 Coach of the Year | Terri Ramie – Uvalde HS
4A State Coach of the Year | Darby Norman – Canyon Randall HS
5A Region 2 Coach of the Year | Doug Fair – Frisco Centennial HS
5A Region 4 Coach of the Year | Jeff Davidson – CC Veterans Memorial HS
5A State Coach of the Year | Koby Otto – Amarillo HS
6A Region 2 Coach of the Year | Jayson Everett – Tomball Memorial HS
6A Region 3 Coach of the Year | Brett Bernstein – Fort Bend Clements HS
6A Region 4 Coach of the Year | Neil Grobler – Round Rock HS
6A State Coach of the Year | Corey Aldridge – Southlake Carroll HS
Louis Bolling 
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