HTP Podcast

Gira Schofield
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🎙️ Welcome to the HTP Podcast, Holistic Tennis Performance — where we go beyond just strokes and strategy. We dive into the real stories behind the players, coaches, and parents—how they started, what they’ve overcome, and how tennis shaped their lives both on and off the court. We’ve moved beyond mental toughness tips (though you’ll still find plenty of those here!) to now spotlighting authentic, inspiring journeys from players and coaches across all levels. From late starts and self-taught success to college scholarships and mindset breakthroughs, each episode offers powerful insights, personal growth, and a fresh take on what it means to truly play with heart. Subscribe, tune in, and be inspired—because every tennis journey matters. 🎙️✨ Disclosure : The following episodes are for educational purposes and isn’t a replacement for professional care. If you’re experiencing mental or physical health issues, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  1. Interview with Yev Supeko

    12/19/2025

    Interview with Yev Supeko

    Yev discusses what it was like starting tennis in Kyrgyzstan and how he started late but still went to a D1 college. Gira and Yev discuss the importance of athletic development, what it's like to transition to SEC competition, and the impact of coaching on personal growth. The conversation points out the value of a supportive sports culture that prioritizes fun and development over pressure and burnout. Takeaways: Team camaraderie in sports can enhance the experience.Starting tennis later can still lead to success at high levels.Athletic development should focus on various skills.Parental pressure often leads to burnout in youth sports.It's important to keep sports fun for children.Transferring schools can lead to unexpected opportunities.Life experiences can shape one's career path in sports.Coaching requires both knowledge and personal experience.Personal growth in sports is a continuous journey. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background in Tennis 07:03 The Importance of Athletic Development 11:14 Transitioning to College Tennis 14:57 Career Path and Coaching Journey ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game of tennis.~

    16 min
  2. Interview with Val Andrus

    12/12/2025

    Interview with Val Andrus

    Val discusses the life-changing potential of tennis, focusing on community, building others up, and the importance of a positive team culture in the sport. The discussion highlights the importance of team dynamics, leadership, and the enriching experiences gained through traveling to various tennis tournaments around the world. She shares personal insights on cultural perspectives and the joy of connecting with others through the sport. Takeaways: Started playing tennis at 10 years old.Grew up in a rural area with limited activities.Transitioned from a stay-at-home mom to a tennis advocate.Focused on building confidence in young players.Emphasized the importance of mutual respect in teams.Led a successful USTA team to sectionals and nationals.Enjoyed the camaraderie and support among team members.Found joy in smaller, intimate tennis tournaments.Traveling has provided valuable cultural insights.Realized the happiness found in simplicity during travels. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey Begins: Early Tennis Experiences 02:13 Transitioning from Player to Advocate 05:05 Building Confidence in Young Players 07:57 Team Dynamics and Leadership in Tennis 11:01 Traveling the World Through Tennis 13:45 Cultural Insights and Personal Growth 16:59 Reflections on Life and Tennis ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game of tennis.~

    20 min
  3. Interview with Kendra Farrell

    12/05/2025

    Interview with Kendra Farrell

    Kendra shares her inspiring journey in tennis, detailing her late start in the sport and the challenges she faced along the way. Gira and Kendra discuss: Is natural talent or grit better? She discusses the importance of hard work, resilience, and the support of her family and coaches in achieving her goals. Kendra also reflects on her experiences in college tennis, the dynamics of team sports, and how her journey has shaped her into a coach who can relate to her players' struggles. Takeaways Kendra started tennis in eighth grade after trying other sports.She faced intimidation from more experienced players.Hard work and dedication led her to earn a tennis scholarship at Arizona Christian University.Kendra's parents instilled a strong work ethic in her.Losing in tournaments was challenging but taught her resilience.Support from family is crucial in a player's journey.Kendra now coaches high school tennis, helping others succeed.Her college experience included both highs and lows.Tennis taught her valuable life skills beyond the sport.Kendra aims to continue playing and coaching tennis. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:42 Overcoming Challenges in Tennis 05:35 The Role of Support and Opportunities 08:39 Navigating College Tennis and Team Dynamics ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game of tennis.~

    11 min
  4. Interview with Tanya Lawton

    11/28/2025

    Interview with Tanya Lawton

    Tanya shares her extensive journey in tennis, from her early experiences as a player to her transition into coaching and parenting. She discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in sports, particularly in tennis, and highlights the challenges young players face in competitive environments. Tanya emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to coaching that includes mental and emotional preparation, advocating for a shift in how tennis culture addresses these aspects. Takeaways Tanya's journey in tennis began later than most, starting at age 10.She quickly transitioned from player to coach, influenced by her early experiences.Mental toughness was a significant focus in her coaching philosophy.Parenting a competitive tennis player presented unique challenges.The introduction of mini tennis has changed the landscape for young players.Emotional preparedness is crucial for young athletes in competition.Tanya observed a gap in emotional skills among junior players.The pressure of competition can negatively impact young players' love for the sport.Tanya's experiences led her to write about emotional intelligence in tennis.There is a need for a more balanced approach to mental and emotional training in sports.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tanya's Tennis Journey 02:01 Early Coaching Experiences and Influences 05:32 Transitioning from Player to Parent 08:36 Challenges in Junior Tennis 12:15 Emotional Resilience in Tennis 15:03 The Need for Emotional Awareness in Sports ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game of tennis.~

    23 min
  5. Interview with John Davey

    11/21/2025

    Interview with John Davey

    In this episode of the HTP podcast, John Davey, a visionary in the tennis world, shares his journey from a passionate player to the founder of Fast Track Tennis. The conversation explores John's innovative approach to making tennis more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially youth. Fast Track Tennis utilizes technology to enhance training and practice, allowing players to strengthen their skills in various environments. The discussion emphasizes the importance of making tennis affordable and engaging for the next generation. Takeaways John's journey in tennis began with a love for the game.Fast Track Tennis was developed to address accessibility issues in training.TThe product allows players to practice tennis in non-traditional spaces.CComputer vision technology enhances the training experience for players.Fast Track Tennis aims to reduce the costs associated with tennis.The product is designed to engage youth and make tennis fun.John collaborates with coaches to improve training methods.This system allows for continuous practice without the need to pick up balls.Fast Track Tennis is being introduced in economically disadvantaged areas.The goal is to build a pipeline of young players into high school tennis. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:04 John's Tennis Journey and Fast Track Tennis 03:47 Innovative Features of Fast Track Tennis 07:47 Accessibility and Community Impact of Fast Track Tennis 11:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game of tennis.~

    12 min
  6. Interview with Bobby Bernstein

    11/14/2025

    Interview with Bobby Bernstein

    In this conversation, Bobby shares his extensive journey in tennis, from his early days as a player to becoming a world-class coach. He discusses the importance of technique, the evolution of coaching methods, and the significance of mindset and strategy in competitive tennis. Bobby emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt their teaching styles to meet the needs of their players, particularly beginners, and highlights the value of keeping the learning process fun and engaging. Takeaways Bobby learned a lot from his early coaching experiences.Technique is crucial for beginners in tennis.Coaching requires adapting to the player's needs.Keeping the learning process fun helps players relax.Asking players what they're thinking can improve coaching effectiveness.Over-coaching can hinder a player's development.Mindset is as important as technique in competitive tennis.Games can help players focus on enjoyment rather than pressure.Bobby's journey reflects the importance of being in the right place at the right time.Coaches should simplify concepts for beginners. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Bobby's Early Tennis Journey 03:29 Transitioning to Coaching 06:00 USTA and Player Development 07:03 Coaching Philosophy and Adult Training 09:43 Overcoming Coaching Challenges 12:24 Mental Preparation and Competitive Mindset ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game of tennis.~

    14 min
  7. Interview with Jared Jacobs

    10/31/2025

    Interview with Jared Jacobs

    In this conversation, Jared shares his journey through tennis, from his early experiences as a player to his transition into coaching. He discusses the challenges faced by WTA players, particularly women, in navigating the competitive landscape of tennis, the importance of community, and the need for balance in life on the tour. The conversation highlights the emotional rollercoaster of competition and the realities of traveling as a tennis professional. Takeaways Tennis can open many opportunities and experiences.The mental and physical challenges of tennis are significant.Community and support are crucial in tennis.Traveling with players requires balancing personal life and work.The financial aspects of tennis coaching can be challenging.Women's tennis faces unique challenges compared to men's tennis.Creating a sense of normalcy is important for players on tour.The energy of a tournament can greatly affect player performance.Pro tournaments often lack the audience and energy of higher-level events.Understanding the nuances of tennis can enhance appreciation for the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HTP Podcast 00:56 Jared's Tennis Journey Begins 03:53 The Sacrifices of a Tennis Career 06:30 Returning to Tennis After a Break 11:50 Experiences on the Professional Tour 18:10 Navigating Life on the Road 24:02 The Reality of Pro Tournaments ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game of tennis.~

    26 min
  8. Interview with Jen WoolCott

    10/24/2025

    Interview with Jen WoolCott

    In this conversation, we discuss the positive effects of tennis. We explore personal journeys in the sport, the importance of community support, and the role of positivity in competition. Jen shares her experiences as a captain in women's leagues, the challenges of managing team dynamics, and the life lessons learned through tennis. The discussion emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive attitude, especially in the face of adversity, and how these experiences shape not only players but also their communities. Takeaways Tennis can start from unexpected beginnings.Taking breaks from tennis can lead to renewed passion.Community support is vital during tough times.Positivity in tennis can uplift the spirit.Leadership in women's leagues requires empathy and management skills.Protecting one's peace is essential in competitive environments.Tennis teaches valuable life lessons about patience and resilience.Adapting to challenges is a crucial skill learned through sports.Maintaining a positive attitude can influence others positively.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jen Woolcott 02:31 Personal Journey in Tennis 05:45 Leadership in Women's Tennis Leagues 08:27 Life Lessons from Tennis 11:30 The Impact of Positivity in Sports ~Join the conversation that’s reshaping the game of tennis.~

    16 min
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Trailer

About

🎙️ Welcome to the HTP Podcast, Holistic Tennis Performance — where we go beyond just strokes and strategy. We dive into the real stories behind the players, coaches, and parents—how they started, what they’ve overcome, and how tennis shaped their lives both on and off the court. We’ve moved beyond mental toughness tips (though you’ll still find plenty of those here!) to now spotlighting authentic, inspiring journeys from players and coaches across all levels. From late starts and self-taught success to college scholarships and mindset breakthroughs, each episode offers powerful insights, personal growth, and a fresh take on what it means to truly play with heart. Subscribe, tune in, and be inspired—because every tennis journey matters. 🎙️✨ Disclosure : The following episodes are for educational purposes and isn’t a replacement for professional care. If you’re experiencing mental or physical health issues, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Information

  • Creator
    Gira Schofield
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Holistic Tennis Performance 2025
  • Show Website
    HTP Podcast