Meet Topher - A PTR Certified Professional Tennis Instructor
I was first blessed to play this great game with a wooden racket back in the spring of 1990 as a Smyrna Middle School Panther. Eventually I put tennis as my primary sport and worked hard to earn the #1 seed as a Smyrna High School Bulldog.
Playing recreationally through college and adulthood has helped me realize how much I enjoy the tennis crowd and meeting tennis people. Winning USTA tournaments as an adult is always an annual goal and a highlight of my year. I've coached public school teams, private school racquet clubs, organized summer day camps, and given private lessons to over 30 repeat individuals. I've passed USTA, PTR, and NFHS coaching/instructing courses. I'm a member of the United States Tennis Association and the Professional Tennis Registry as a professional instructor (which means I'm certified and insured to teach tennis). I attend the annual PTR Pro Coaches International Symposium in Hilton Head for continuing tennis education. Since 2008 I've had over 60 hours of tennis COACHING instruction courses/workshops. I'm certified with an 8 hour live course in Special Olympics Adaptive Tennis as well as completing multiple CardioTennis courses. I've even stepped on court with tennis greats, like world ranked #4 Agnieszka Radwanska from Poland! (I got to squeegee rain off her practice court in Cincinnati!!)
Can you tell, I love coaching athletes and playing tennis!?!
Teaching students to play in a fun and joyful way!
Testimonials
-
"That was a great practice. I just wanted to say 'Thank you' for being so understanding and patient with my tennis. I appreciate it so much and I can't wait to practice again soon!" - Marissa M. (high school senior 2021)
-
"Sadie connected well with you in the first meeting. She enjoyed her lesson. Sadie seems excited about getting back out there! She likes to be out there learning." - Dustin B. (father to a 7th grade student 2022)
-
"I had the honor of working with ChrisTopher Wiles as a boy's tennis coach and I was witness to his wonderful teaching skills. Every time I was in his presence, his students were engaged in learning." - Faye Walker (girls tennis coach at McGavock High School 2008)
Gabriel began teaching beginner tennis lessons under Topher's supervision in May 2023. He has completed the PTR Recreational Coaching Live Workshop and will work toward full certification when he turns 18. He has been playing competitive tennis since 2021 and has been taking lessons with Topher since 2013. Gabriel was ranked as the #1 singles player for White County in 2022 and 2023. When he's not playing or teaching tennis, you can find Gabriel at a church youth group event, running with his cross country teammates, or hanging out with his girlfriend, Lydia.
Topher's Tennis Coaching Experiences
Summer 2023 - Head Coach - USTA Jr. Team Tennis for boys & girls in White County and Warren County
Spring 2023 - Instructional Coach for White County High School Boys & Girls Teams - Middle School Boys & Girls Teams
Summer 2022 - Head Coach - USTA Jr. Team Tennis for boys & girls in White County & Warren County
Spring 2022 - Assistant Coach - White County High School Boys & Girls Teams - Middle School Boys & Girls Teams
Click here for Topher's Photos of this season: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rYTDsScKAeukmQbK6
2013 - 2017 - Head Coach - FFHE Racquet Club
2010 - 2011 - Head Coach - Portland Panther Boys Tennis Team
2008 - 2010 -Head Coach - McGavock Raider Boys Tennis Team
