In this episode, Nicole Fintell shares her journey from a 7-year-old tennis camper to 2x Texas state champion, D1 college athlete, high-performance junior coach, college coach, and USTA Southwest’s junior player development manager.

We explore the ups and downs of junior tennis, the challenges of isolation, and why it’s essential to focus on long-term development.

Tennis is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong teacher.

Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, you’ll gain practical insights into navigating the challenges and joys of tennis.

Key Points:

1️⃣ Start Young, Grow Strong: Nicole began tennis at age 7, showing how early exposure can ignite a lifelong love for the sport.

2️⃣ Growth Over Instant Success: She emphasizes focusing on long-term improvement rather than chasing quick wins, teaching juniors the value of patience in progress.

3️⃣ Tennis Builds Life Skills: The sport instills resilience, adaptability, and independence, preparing players for challenges on and off the court.

4️⃣ Opportunities Through Tennis: Tennis opened doors for travel, education, and lifelong friendships, proving it’s more than just a game.

5️⃣ Navigating the Journey Matters: Now as a USTA Junior Player Development Manager, Nicole helps parents, players, and coaches navigate the tennis journey with support, perspective, and clarity.