This year, the Grandview Girls’ Tennis Program has a new lineup of committed coaches who have, developed, taught, and inspired players every step of the way this season. 

One of the first new coaches this year is Tina Walker. Walker came from rival school Cherokee Trail in 2023, and is excited about teaching a new group of players while bringing her energy into the program.

“I coached the boys’ tennis [at Cherokee Trail] as an assistant coach. I also wanted to coach the girls’ spring season, which led me to interview for the position,” said Walker.

Coach Walker has played tennis for many years, giving him skill and perspective on the sport. He played on the varsity team in high school and started coaching in 1988. Since then, he has coached boys’ and girls’ teams at different schools and summer camps. He also gives private lessons during the summer while still playing tennis himself. 

“My enthusiasm for this sport began when I was six years old,” Walker said. “I believe that tennis teaches [both the youth and adults] to face their fears and failures, celebrate their growth and development, and maintain a mind and body connection for well-being.”

One of Walker’s goals this season is to give all the JV teams a chance to play in matches. With over 75 players on the roster, scheduling fair and active practices can be a challenge.

“One of our biggest challenges in the spring is the weather,” Walker said. “We often have to reschedule matches or have an alternate type of practice when it snows or rains. Also, since this is a no-cut sport and we only have eleven spots for varsity, we need to create practices that fit 60 to 65 JV players and still keep things safe and fun.”

To help manage those challenges and support the growing program, Walker is joined by longtime coach Doug Chilton, who brings more than three decades of experience to the court. 

Chilton is a veteran of the sport, coaching high school tennis since 1992. 

“I just like helping out the kids and spending time with youngsters. I enjoy the game of tennis, so I like teaching that to other people so that they can fall in love with it,” Chilton said.

Chilton’s style is serious about the mental side of the sport but easy going with the players. His main goal is to see the team reach the state tournament. 

“We would like every one of our teams, every one of our girls, to qualify,” Chilton said. “It’s going to take a lot of mental toughness and dedication to the game; that’s what makes a successful tennis player.” 

For team bonding, Chilton allows the team captains to decide. 

“The team captains do most of the planning for unity activities [such as team dinners, sleepovers, and being together during the season],” Chilton said.

Grandview Physical Education teacher Jared Neale also joined the tennis coaching staff six seasons ago after Athletic Director Wes Smock asked him to assist with the program. Since then, Neale has become a dedicated part of the team, bringing steady support and energy to the court.

“The reason why I like coaching here at Grandview High School is that I teach PE and obviously, that’s [all about] sports, but I like coaching tennis because you get a different type of athlete,” Neale said. “Athletes choose to be there [unlike in PE], so they seem to be more motivated and encouraged to learn.”

Neale works mostly with the JV players. He focuses on helping the girls show up, work hard, and learn the basics of tennis.

“Someone who comes to practice every day, ready to work and looking to improve, that’s a successful tennis player to me,” Neale said.

All three coaches said they want the tennis players to feel connected. They plan events like pizza parties and encourage players to cheer for each other during matches. Even with different coaching backgrounds, they all want the same thing for the athletes to grow as athletes and teammates. 

“My love for tennis started when I was six years old, and it’s never left me,” Walker said. “Now, I get to share that love with these girls, not just to help them grow as athletes, but to give them something they can carry with them for life. That’s the joy of coaching.”