Coronado Tennis Instructor Phil Hopkins

1. How did you first come to play tennis and become a tennis instructor?

I started playing tennis in Junior High. That was the first time that tennis courts became available in upstate farm community in New York. I played table tennis and badminton competitively for many years, prior to exposure to tennis. I knew that it would be fun. I played soccer, basketball, baseball, and ran track and high jumped and pole vaulted in high school. Graduated as class most outstanding multi-sport student athlete. I went to a small college in Ohio and played soccer 4 years and was the team captain my senior year. I started getting serious about tennis with all the free time without multiple sports.

I decided I wanted to specialize in tennis instruction as a career. I attended Springfield College and received a Masters of Science in Administration and Supervision of Health, Physical Education and Recreation with my concentration in bio-mechanics of tennis. My Masters Thesis was on the tennis serve. Then, I served as assistant tennis coach and assistant soccer coach at Springfield College. Upon graduation immediately began tennis teaching career in Westchester County, New York as a tennis professional at a private facility. I was fortunate to work with the President of the United States Professional Tennis Association, Mickey Phillips.

2. Phil, what first brought you to Coronado?

I first came to Coronado from Hawaii in 1990 to attend law school. With three children in private schools and both my wife and I teaching and coaching at a private school in Hawaii finances were getting tough and I thought that I needed to leave teaching to earn more money so that our children could continue to attend private schools.

3. How long have you been instructing tennis and specifically teaching in Coronado?

After one year in law school I knew that it was not for me. I walked into the GM’s office at the Meridian (now Coronado Marriott) and told them that they needed a tennis professional and that I was the man for the job. I worked there for three years and also became the Mens Tennis Coach at San Diego City College and a part-time Physical Education Instructor. The last year at the hotel I applied for the City Tennis Professional position and have been the City Tennis Professional since 1993, along with coaching and teaching at San Diego City College. I fell in love with the community of Coronado and our new life here with our children. The Coronado school system was wonderful and decided to stay in Coronado.

4. What are you most excited about regarding the new tennis facilities being built?

The new tennis facility brings with it the chance to expand programs that will bring out the fun social interactions that are possible with tennis. Players obtaining beneficial physical activity that they enjoy while meeting other players in Coronado. Tennis in a small community like Coronado can bring the community together to recreate, meet others and have fun.

5. When will it be completed and are the courts open during construction?

Last I heard, the new center should be completed at the beginning of next year (2011). But, due to the construction, the courts are more available for drop in play then ever. Yes, the courts are open! Come on down and get started, or restarted so that you will be in the full swing of things when the new facility is completed and the ensuing programming can begin.

6. What lessons and programs do you and your staff offer? What are the costs?

Lessons are offered 7 days per week at the Tennis Center courts on Glorietta. Presently I have two other tennis instructors, Michael Axelson and Jon Caswell who are actively involved in the junior program which runs from 2:45 to 7:00 pm Monday thru Thursday; with classes for every age and ability. They along with myself are available throughout the week for private or group lessons. Junior lessons start at $10 per session and private lessons are based on $60 per hour. Wednesday night from 7:00 – 8:30pm there is an aerobic drill for intermediate to advanced players that is $10 per session.

The Coronado Tennis Center (located at 1501 Glorietta Blvd) has 8 courts (3 lighted). The Pro Shop is located at the Coronado Tennis Center and offers racket stringing, ball machine rental, a complete line of tennis merchandise and video stroke analysis.

Contact information:
Phil Hopkins
Coronado Tennis Center
1501 Glorietta Blvd.
[email protected]
619-435-1616