What’s your name?

Paul McGowan

Where are you located?

Atlanta, GA (unless I’m trekking around the world!)

Where do you work and what’s your current title?

Buckhead YMCA (Atlanta Georgia). Head Pro – Junior Tennis.

What are your 3 favorite things about this course?

1. Flexibility – the ability to tailor the course to my often busy travel and work schedule was critical in being able to complete the course.

2. Comprehensive – this course was uber well-designed and readily covers all of the relevant topics that a Director of Racquet Sports needs to know.

3. Relevant Projects – each of the assigned projects was tailored well to mesh with the topics covered in the various modules.

What has surprised you the most about this course?

Honestly, I didn’t fully appreciate the vast variety of topics that the DORS needs to master in order to be effective in that role. Very surprising to me.

Have you been able to apply anything you’ve learned so far? If so, what?

Yes, the leadership principles have been very effective, especially when it comes to delegating responsibilities and having all team members be accountable for their actions (or inactions!).

What was the reason you chose to take this course?

My background is unique, I believe, in that tennis is a third career for me. I was an engineer at NASA for a dozen years, after which I practiced law for over 20 years — specializing in patent law and intellectual properly litigation. Tennis has always been my passion, so as my legal career was winding down, I took the affirmative steps to get certified to teach through the PTR and USPTA. I now teach tennis exclusively, including an active junior tennis program where I have over 80 students ranging in age from 3 to 13 years. I’ve never felt more fulfilled.

Interested in our Director of Racquet Sports Certificate?

You, too, can develop the business and leadership competencies required to successfully manage a tennis and racquets operation. Visit our website for more information.