How did you first get involved in coaching?
One could argue that coaching runs in my blood - my dad used to play soccer professionally in Europe, to later also coach in Romania and Canada; my mom used to be a track and field national athlete - to later study physical education and become a fitness coach for my tennis club in Romania.
Growing up, during my high school years, I apparently told them I want to get "a real job" and that "I would never be a coach like them" - haha - they still bug me about this every day when they see me going to work and all I can do is laugh at my silly young self.
During my university tennis career, I got approached by my tennis coach who needed staff for the outdoor tennis season at his club. I did my Tennis Canada certification and took the job as I was still a student and could use the extra money; the more I did it, the more I enjoyed it - and of course, this still applies today.
When did you first start coaching at TTC, and when did you start full time?
December 2016 is the first time I came in to coach as a sub. I kept coming in as needed until I officially started coaching part-time in September 2017.
My part time job at TTC had to take a little break as I completed my last semester of undergrad studying and coaching tennis in Sydney, Australia. I was sad to leave, but never had a feeling that it was going to be forever. My feeling was right - I got approached by Craig during my time in Australia, and I was offered a full time job as soon as I got back in Toronto, July 2nd, 2018.
Why did you decide coaching as a career?
I graduated with an international bachelor's degree in business administration. Despite most people starting their career with one traditional big firm, I knew that being in an office is simply not for me. Interestingly, a coaching career can easily be compared to a sales job, but it is so much more than that. The planning, the selling, the networking, the endless opportunities for growth and development - it all connects and aligns with many of my professional goals.
They say: "Find 3 Hobbies you love: one to make you money, one to keep you in shape, and one to be creative". I decided to take on coaching as a career as it ticks off all three of those. Oftentimes I don't even feel like I'm working; there is certainly lots of work to put in if you decide to take on this path, but the challenges are so worth it.
Coaching tennis is not just teaching athletes how to play tennis. It's teaching people how to live. As I work with players of all ages, levels and cultures, I love the challenge of having to find the best language to communicate with them. This can range from being very serious, to making funny voices and getting into different characters to keep the kids engaged. It never gets dull!
You’re currently enrolled in the Club Professional 2 course with Tennis Canada. Are there any major learnings that you have started to integrate into your coaching or areas that you’re going to delve into a little deeper?
Every day spent at the course is so refreshing and motivating, mostly because there are so many lessons and great coaches to learn from. Some of the biggest learnings for me include:
When on court:
1) Develop a tactical story every time, with no exceptions: even with the simplest drills, and the most novice players. Not only players will have a better understanding of the game, but they will also be so much more motivated to perform when they understand the situation they are focusing on.
2) Praise and encourage to build confidence - keep it genuine! This is the biggest change I’ve made in my coaching so far since the course. As I come from an eastern European background, I am used to receiving mostly negative feedback (i.e. what to fix). I am not a very negative person and certainly not a negative coach, but I shifted my focus to finding rather the good things the players are doing to ensure repetition. Not only this shifts their attitude and motivates them to continue doing the “right” thing, but it encourages their neighbour to do the same “right” things. When coaching adult groups, especially beginners, there are so many things to fix! I am working on restraining myself from giving them too much information at once of things to work on, and rather focus on telling them what they’re doing right. I noticed an instant shift of attitude and motivation and received positive feedback on my coaching.
When off court:
1) Zero-effort! Don't make the clients look for things. Always have something to offer for everyone.
2) Always have a purpose for every event organized - start with WHY.
3) Authenticity is what builds trust - with players, parents and colleagues. Don't lose yourself!
4) Don't be afraid to ask for feedback, and stay vulnerable. It's the only way to grow as a coach and as an individual.
What has been the most significant barrier in your career?
The most significant barrier in my career so far has been my age and my gender. In other words, I am a young female coach in a heavily male-dominated industry. Even on the pro tour, hiring a female coach is considered a "bold move". Instead of being discouraged by this - I am rather intrigued by the challenge of proving myself every day - both on and off the court. I see this "barrier" as rather a significant opportunity - an opportunity to provide a different perspective in coaching, as well as be the best role model I can be to all aspiring female players and beyond.
How do you hope to empower your ACE students?
As mentioned, the best way to build trust is by being authentic. I first want to build rapport, and work towards an honest student-coach relationship. Some good ways to do this include being yourself, being friendly, showing real interest, finding common ground, and giving genuine feedback. Besides the obvious tennis talk, I always challenge my students with topics that go beyond; sometimes I end up finding myself teaching math, or teaching in another language, giving deep life advice, or googling facts about things like the deepest ocean so I can answer my curious students' questions . It's always a great bonding time, and I find that this is what also helps transition players' motivation from extrinsic towards intrinsic.
Would you recommend a career in coaching to young women moving into the workplace? If so, why?
Going back to a previous question, a career in coaching for a female can definitely come with a few unprecedented barriers, however I would whole-heartedly recommend it every time. There is a high demand for female coaches in the general industry . Every tennis club needs at least one - and this is just one of the many advantages and opportunities to learn and grow as a female coach, and why not, mentor. I am, too, extremely thankful for all the great mentors and coaches with whom I have worked and I continue to work, as well as all connections I have made so far through my career. Regardless of what barriers you may (or think you may) face, you should always follow your passion. If tennis and working with people is it for you, then you shouldn't let anything stop you!
