In this episode
On the 238th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets interview Brandon Fallon. Their guest lives in SoCal (San Juan Capistrano, California) with his wife and two daughters. He currently is the assistant director of the Laguna Nigel Racquet Club.
From a tennis point of view, you name it and Brandon Fallon has done it. The following list might serve as an outline to cover parts of his journey: Starting out with no connections in tennis, being a top five junior in arguably the US’s toughest section, playing division I college tennis, playing French tournaments, playing German club tennis, pursuing a world ranking, coaching in college, working over a decade with competitive juniors at an academy, then offering A2Z programs and services for players of all ages and abilities.
He also served in a leadership role with the USPTA (now RSPA). Brandon shares how he made the transition from being in junior development to being in club and country club management. During their conversation, a special emphasis is also put on one of Brandon’s specialities, running social events.
If and when he writes his autobiography, an appropriate testimonial would be: Big smile, big personality, big heart and someone who is great for tennis in a big way.
show notes
In this episode of the GreatBase Tennis Podcast, we are joined by Brandon Fallon, a passionate tennis player and coach with a remarkable journey through the sport. We discuss Brandon’s path from a high school standout in Southern California to his experiences playing for UNLV and Cal Poly, where he earned his degree in hotel management. What stands out in Brandon’s story is his unconventional entry into tennis, sparked by his mother’s job at a local racquet club, which transitioned him from baseball to the tennis courts at just ten years old.
As Brandon recounts his evolution in the sport, he highlights the critical support and guidance he received from various coaches throughout his career. His early training under Don Davis and later with renowned coaches at the Balboa Bay Club played a crucial role in his development. This experience helped him to navigate the challenges of being a “pusher” and ultimately transform his game, shedding light on the importance of mentorship in reaching one’s full potential as an athlete.
We move into Brandon’s collegiate journey, sharing insights from his time at UNLV and the trials of transitioning to Cal Poly. He reflects on the meaningful relationships formed with teammates and how these connections have endured beyond their college days, ultimately inspiring him to give back to the sport by coaching the next generation. Brandon emphasizes the role of camaraderie and shared experiences in sports, which can foster personal and professional growth.
Transitioning into his post-college years, Brandon describes his experience on the tennis circuit, illustrating how he balanced the pressures of competition with the joy of traveling and learning through play. He details his time competing internationally, particularly in France, where he embraced the unique play styles of different surfaces. His candid reflections on the challenges he faced against elite competitors highlight the learning opportunities that shaped his resilience as a player, reinforcing the notion that every match, win or lose, contributes to solidifying one’s athletic journey.
The conversation also brings to light concerns about the current landscape of junior tennis, particularly the diminishing opportunities for younger players to engage in competition with seasoned adults. Brandon shares his frustrations about the lack of intergenerational matches, which he believes are vital for skill development and growth. By reminiscing about his own formative experiences, he illustrates the valuable lessons acquired through less structured play that are essential for developing competitive acumen.
In parallel, we explore the financial burdens of pursuing tennis in America, particularly for young athletes. Brandon draws comparisons between the support systems available in the U.S. and those in other countries, such as France, where clubs often provide greater backing for tournament participation. This segues into a discussion about how fostering greater community involvement in tennis can cultivate environments that promote competitive play for all age groups and levels.
As the episode comes to a close, we reflect on the broader implications of cultivating a tennis culture that balances competition with community engagement. Brandon advocates for a more interconnected tennis environment, where players of all ages can share experiences and grow together. His commitment to coaching women and nurturing inclusive atmospheres at clubs underlines the importance of making tennis accessible and enjoyable. Together, we reinforce that the essence of the sport lies not just in victories, but in the relationships forged and the collective passion for the game.
This episode is a celebration of the vibrant community surrounding tennis, brimming with insights that resonate beyond the court. Whether you are a seasoned coach, a budding player, or simply a tennis enthusiast, Brandon’s journey and our discussion illuminate the significance of connection, mentorship, and the joy found in the pursuit of excellence in tennis.
