Courtside with Sean Henegan, Junior Tennis Development Coordinator
Our tennis pros are seen on court so often that you might think that all they do is eat, sleep, and breathe tennis. But, there is much more behind the racquets. All of our pros are Certified Professionals, but each has a diverse background and has taken a different path to Midtown Tennis. Our new "Courtside" blog series will introduce you to our Pros on a personal level. First up is Sean Henegan, Weston’s Junior Tennis Development Coordinator. Sean has been coaching tennis for about nine years. Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Sean grew up playing sports. At 16 years old his family relocated to Ohio where he attended high school. He graduated from Wright University with a BS in Psychology. After having played tennis in high school and college, the sport evolved into a potential career option as his coaches told him how well he played. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Florida where he now resides with his brother. A natural born athlete, Sean enjoys playing rugby, cricket, golf, and basketball. Sean is also a big college football fan. When he is not at work, he relaxes by playing beach volleyball and body surfing. Sean enjoys traveling and learning from other cultures, and is a true athlete who maintains a disciplined, regular fitness routine to maintain good health. He thinks it is important to stay active and hopes to encourage our younger population to do the same. Sean’s favorite part of his job as a Junior Tennis Development Coordinator is to watch kids not only improve in their tennis but also to watch them mature into young adults. Carole: What do you think draws people to the game of tennis? Sean: There is always something new to learn. It is challenging; it's always testing your body and your mind, and it's a great social sport. Carole: Tennis is a popular sport, but some people are hesitant to give it a try. Why do you think this is? Sean:I think the main reason is that it is more challenging than it looks. Perhaps the individual has not been successful in hitting the ball or he/she could have had a bad experience with tennis as a child. More specifically, the coach may not have ben energetic or fun. This is certainly not the case at Midtown! Carole: What would you say to these people to encourage them to try it (or try it again)? Sean: It's a great sport that you can play for your lifetime, and it will keep you physically and mentally healthy. Tennis is great to socialize with friends, significant others, and with your children. Here in Florida, you can play tennis in the fresh air, year round. Carole: What are some tips that players can use to improve their tennis game? Sean: I would suggest the following: 1.) Ensure your feet are in the correct position. 2.) Move your left arm at least parallel to the baseline when hitting the ball to ensure a good shoulder turn. 3.) Keep the ball deep in play. This will push the opponent back, most likely resulting in a weaker return. Carole: Do you prefer to play singles or doubles? Sean: As a competitive athlete, I definitely enjoy singles more because if I play badly or lose a match, I can’t blame anyone else but myself. I like the feeling of being independent when I’m on the court as a single player. I enjoy doubles when playing with friends, or if I am playing strictly for the social experience with friends and family. As the Junior Developmental Coordinator at Midtown, Sean’s focus is on 10 and Under Tennis. He also works with our teen players who want to improve their skills. Have questions for Sean, or want to find out how your kids can get involved with tennis at Midtown? Give Sean a call at 954.384.2582 or leave your questions/comments here.