Projects

On the 217 episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Richard Hernandez, and Dave Anderson ask Clayton Stanley questions. The four were part of a unique tennis culture in the 1980s. Clayton started his tennis journey with Steve as his instructor when he was 6 and Steve was 26.

Steve and Clayton’s father, David, were basically partners in raising a tennis kid.

When Richard first observed a young Clayton’s ball striking skills, he left his job as a tennis teacher at a nearby club to join David and others from around the world to study tennis. All these years later, Richard and David have collectively developed hundreds of college tennis players.

The story at hand started 44 years ago and clearly points out that one would be wise to take a deep dive into the free educational content provided by GreatBase. The pathway is proven.

Clayton, Happy 50th.

Robert Lansdorp
1938 – 2024

On the 216th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ivan Ozerets pay tribute to the late Robert Lansdorp. To make an understatement, he was an American tennis treasure.

The common sense, toughness, drive and gut-wrenching honesty of Robert Lansdorp should not be forgotten. Everyone connected to the development of players and coaches would be wise to study the purity and simplicity of Robert’s principles.

Excerpts from Ken Thomas’ (Radio Tennis) interview with Robert highlight Steve and Ivan’s discussion. To listen to the entire interview please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=929nO-I7_9k.

In this episodeJoey Scrivano, Baylor Bears On the 215th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ivan Ozerets have a conversation with Joey Scrivano. He is currently leading Baylor University's women's tennis team.  He has served the university for 23...

In this episodeBy listening to Jeff, one will quickly discover he understands the nuts and bolts and X's and 0's of tennis to the nth degree. The development of a tennis mind takes time, lots and lots of time. Simply put, one needs to study tennis to truly be a...

In this episodeJeff Lewis recently spent a week with Steve Smith at the Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia. The two, who have known each other for thirty years, recorded two conversations for the listeners of the GreatBase Tennis podcast. To make an...

In this episodeOn the 212th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Richard Bodian. In 1981, Steve designed and directed (Tennis Tech) the first comprehensive curriculum and college degree program for students seeking occupational...

In this episodeOn the 211th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Mike Valentine and Mike McLaughlin. The three old men all worked for the late Vic Braden.  Mike and Mike recently made the journey to the Wintergreen Resort in...

In this episodeThe life story of Arnaud Guillemard is definitely different. Be ready to go from island living to Paris, college tennis to the oil fields, education to being a young parent, and directing junior and high school tennis tournaments. Arnaud is Steve...

Melanie Zampardo is Steve Smith’s guest on the 209th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast. She spent nine weeks this summer, 2024, serving as an intern. She survived.

Decades ago, Steve was told by an experienced tennis-lifer that if one could complete the challenges of a 24/7 boarding tennis camp that he or she would have proven that they could successfully make their way within the tennis industry.

By listening to the episode at hand, one will discover more of an insider’s understanding of the GreatBase Tennis pathway. More importantly, one will find Melanie’s approach to learning and overall perspective to be refreshing and inspiring. The next generation of tennis teachers and coaches need to be taught and trained for the welfare and growth of our sport.

In this episodeOn the 208th podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Spencer Johnson. The two have known each other for just over 10 years. Spencer is now 21 and last year, while playing for UCLA, he was named the PAC 12 Freshman of the Year. Most GreatBase...