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In the Trenches: Why Every Tennis Program Needs an 'Ambassador of Quan'

Susan Nardi: Turn casual players into a lifelong passion for the sport

The key ingredient to long-term program success

What makes some adult tennis programs thrive while others struggle to keep players engaged? The answer lies in having an "Ambassador of Quan," a dedicated individual who embodies the values of love, respect, and community. Inspired by the concept from Jerry Maguire, this role is essential to fostering a welcoming atmosphere where players of all skill levels feel inspired to participate and return. A Culture Keeper ensures that camaraderie flourishes, making tennis more than just a workout but an experience that enriches lives. Whether by organizing post-match socials, encouraging new players, or fostering sportsmanship, the Ambassador of Quan is the key ingredient to long-term program success. This role not only enhances the player experience but also boosts business for clubs by increasing retention and referrals, proving that a strong culture is the backbone of any successful tennis program.

Meet Chris: The Heartbeat of Our Adult Tennis Programs

At Westchester Tennis Center, located near LAX, our adult programs thrive thanks to players like Chris—our very own Energizer Bunny of fun and enthusiasm. The moment Chris steps onto the court, the energy soars and excitement fills the air. His passion for the game is contagious, making every session enjoyable and inclusive. As one of the strongest players on the court, Chris embraces the opportunity to rally with players of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and encouraged. Whether he's guiding newcomers or challenging seasoned players, Chris embodies the true spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship, making tennis a rewarding experience for all.

Turn casual players into a lifelong passion for the sport

Chris is the heart and soul of the program, welcoming newcomers, fostering relationships, and creating an environment where everyone feels part of something bigger than themselves. In a competitive sports landscape, adult tennis programs need more than just great coaching and facilities: they need to build relationships to enhance the quality of life for all those players through our programs. Tennis clubs and programs that prioritize this role see increased participation, stronger retention rates, and a renewed excitement that fuels growth and community engagement. The lesson? Every program needs an “Ambassador of Quan” to turn casual players into a lifelong passion for the sport.

Susan Nardi

Susan Nardi

Susan Nardi is a certified tennis professional specializing in creating and expanding innovative development programs for juniors 10 and under as well as developing high-performance players. She creates development programs that ignite children’s passion for the sport and also give them a solid foundation in playing the game.

Her company, Mommy, Daddy and Me Tennis, has produced dynamic videos and delivers staff training to help clubs train their staff to deliver this successful curriculum.

Susan played college tennis at Elon College (NC) and Radford University (VA). She was an assistant coach at Virginia Tech, Cal Tech, and Irvine Valley Community College.

She coached at the Van der Meer World Training Center on Hilton Head Island, SC working with high-performance players. Coach Nardi was the head coach at Capistrano Valley High School where numerous players went on to play college tennis on scholarship. She is the only female to be the head coach of the All-Army Tennis Team.

Susan F. Nardi
President & Fun Engineer
Rhino Crash Sports Group, Inc. 
Website: https://playtennis.usta.com/RhinoCrashSportsGroup

2021 Positive Coaching Alliance National Double-Goal Coach
https://youtu.be/XgjTJ7WRuic