Welcome to the Sportsclub Tennis Center in Greenville. Where they feature 12 total courts in total, which includes 2 in-door and 9 clay courts! Since 1975 Spotrsclub has been family & locally owned and has provided the Upstate with the very best. That very best continues as recently they brought in 2 new seasoned tennis Pros into the Sportsclub family. Now let’s meet the new tennis Pros, Michael Graham and Mark Posta.
360: First off, welcome to Greenville guys! How did you end up at Sportsclub?
Michael: I moved down to Greenville from Upstate New York last May. There I was a college tennis coach at Alfred University in NY, then I became an Assistant Tennis Coach down here at USC Upstate. I saw an ad for the Sportsclub job on Indeed and decided to go for it! During my interview I quickly realized this is an organization that I wanted to be part of.
Mark: Thank you! I moved here in October from Santa Monica, California to be with family. Sportsclub quickly became my tennis home because of the amazing facility, 12 total courts- 2 indoor and 9 clay! But mostly because of Ashley Maddox, Sportsclub Director of Tennis, she is just great.
360: Tell us a little bit about your tennis background.
Michael: I started playing tennis when I was 8 years old. I started playing high school tennis when I was in 7th grade. Then I played 4 years at Alfred University (2 years of being team captain.) After that I became the Assistant Tennis Coach at Alfred University for a year then followed that by becoming the Head Coach. I then decided to move up to coaching Division 1 Tennis as I eventually became the Assistant Coach at USC Upstate.
Mark: I was the Head Pro running the largest junior and adult program in Santa Monica, CA. Before that I worked in South Florida pursuring my tennis dreams. Played #1 Singles for Youngstown State University back in 2003.
360: What are your new roles at Sportsclub?
Michael: I currently try to help out around the club as much as possible. I string racquets, do court maintenance, and of course give tennis lessons to the club members. I also run a Tuesday Night Clinic, which I try to focus on doubles strategy.
Mark: JTT and Junior Tennis Coach/Coordinator. Private lessons and group for clinics. Exposing this area to different teaching ideas utilized from South Florida and Califorina. And of course sharing the love of the game with the members.
360: Hot Shots Tennis Camp is coming up in June and July this Summer — can you tell us more about that?
Michael: I have not been able to be apart of this as much as I wanted to be so far (because I just started full-time this past week!) But I can say that this is a great opportunity for kids, all skill levels to get out and enjoy the sport of tennis.
Mark: It’s going to be a lot of fun! FUN is the key… when the kids enjoy themselves that’s when effortless stroke production happens. I cant wait!
360: If you could give one piece of tennis advice — what would it be?
Michael: My best advice to anyone who plays tennis is that there are two steps at improving your game: 1. Hit lots of tennis balls and 2. Have FUN! If you enjoy playing tennis it gives you more passion to want to learn! Try and go out to a tennis court with a friend, it makes for a great time.
Mark: To learn the right racquet speed to swing at the ball you need to experience both sides the spectrum. What is to slow and what is too fast so you can discover a happy middle that works best for you!
360: Thanks guys! Appreciate your time. Again welcome to Greenville!
For more info on their upcoming Hot Shots Tennis Camp on June 17-21 and again on July 22-26 click here. If you’re ready to sign-up or just want to take tennis lessons with the new Pros, please contact Ashley Maddox at amaddox@sportsclubsc.com or (864) 313-5705. You can also stay up-to-date with all the Sportsclub happenings by following them on Facebook and Instagram.