ACE: So, you come from a tennis family?
Natalie: Yes, my father and uncles are part owners of the ORC club and my family still are shareholders. My two brothers and I played from an early age at Whiteoaks Park Tennis Club in Missisauga and continued at ORC. I met my husband Bobby Armitage at ORC when we were 10! Bobby played in Pierre's [Lamarche - ACE founder] All Canadian program at the time as did I.
As a Junior Natalie ranked consistently in the top 10 in Canada in the U14, U16, and U18 age categories.
ACE: Did you receive a tennis scholarship?
Natalie: Yes I got a tennis scholarship to University of Hawaii, a great experience, and who doesn't like to be somewhere in the sun! I also got to teach in Australia at the Palm Meadows International Club, and when I came back I worked in capacity as an U12, U14 and U18 Provincial coach and then ended up again at ORC as an adult and junior high-performance coach.
ACE: You have been running some of the GTA's most successful outdoor tennis programs for many years.
Natalie: Yes, Bobby and I have been running spring and summer programs for the last 23 years in 3 locations, Bronte Park, Lawson Park and Wallace Park, and we have been running our programs here alongside ACE at Cedar Springs since the year 2001.
Natalie's approach to teaching tennis relies on teaching strong technical skills, sportsmanship and life values, and has been designed to suit a broad spectrum of skill levels, age groups and player personalities, something that Cedar Springs will benefit greatly from.
ACE: How to you feel about tennis and its potential as a sport for many?
Natalie: I love tennis, it's my life and I want to give back. With the success of
Eugenie Bouchard, Bianca Andreescu and Denis Shapovalov the interest in tennis is at its height.
ACE: What is one advice you can give to a young tennis player who wants to make it to the top?
Natalie: Work ethics - plain and simple. There are so many players that have talent, but you have to have good work ethics or you will never make it.
ACE: Your two kids have not stayed in tennis?
Natalie: My daughter loves her cheer leading and they have been selected to perform for one of the big teams! My son is more of an academic, and when tennis has been so much part of our family life, it is natural that the kids seek out other interests.
ACE: How do you feel about your new role here as Tennis Director at Cedar Springs?
Natalie: I look forward to sharing my life-long passion of tennis with members at Cedar Springs. We are really trying to grow the tennis memberships here at the club. People that sign up for fitness programs are often new to tennis, and we are hoping to introduce them to the sport. It's exiting!
ACE: Thanks Natalie! Good luck!
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