In this episode
On the 244th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith, Dave Anderson, and Ivan Ozerets interview Dave Sivertson. On the podcast previous to this edition, Dave shared information, ideas, and insights related to on-court success. The USTA national title holder and ITF international team champion has been equally as successful off the court as on.
He is in his fifth decade working as a tennis director. Dave has served as a tennis director for some of the most prestigious tennis clubs in the United States.
Dave has written a 400-page business program for club managers and tennis professionals to improve the productivity and profitability of their tennis operations. The written work is called ‘Net Profits.’ https://www.netprofittennis.com/
To name a few of the industry awards he has won are the USPTA National Pro of the Year, the USPTA Texas Pro of the Year, and the Lloyd Sessions Education Award. He is a master pro with the USPTA (now RSPA) and has served the organization as a speaker, educator, committee member, and officer of the board.
show notes
In this episode of the Great Base Tennis Podcast, we engage in a deep and reflective conversation with Ivan Ozerets, along with two esteemed colleagues, Dave Anderson and Dave Sivertson. Our discussion dives into the multifaceted world of tennis, focusing on the rich experiences and perspectives of Coach Sivertson, who has been integral in shaping the tennis landscape for over five decades.
Coach Sivertson begins by recalling his journey into the tennis business, sharing how he stumbled into a profession that has brought him immense joy and fulfillment. He highlights his early challenges with dyslexia and stuttering, recounting how these obstacles only fueled his determination to excel in his career. His unorthodox route into tennis coaching saw him starting at an older age with no formal training, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and mentorships that shaped his growth as an instructor. He introduces us to influential figures who guided him, such as Dick Gould and Jimmy Parker, whose insights not only refined his skills as a coach but also instilled in him the principles of mentorship and community.
Throughout the podcast, we explore the many roles a tennis director must embody—from teacher to administrator to community builder. Coach Sivertson shares anecdotes that illustrate the joys and challenges of managing a tennis program, highlighting the delicate balance between administrative duties and personal engagement with players and club members. He passionately discusses the significance of creating a positive club environment, stressing that strong relationships are the heartbeat of a successful tennis program.
The conversation moves to the topic of coaching philosophy, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence and self-awareness in teaching tennis. Coach Sivertson discusses the necessity of reinforcing a growth mindset in both himself and his students, illustrating how he applies life lessons learned from tennis to foster personal development. He reflects on the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and the impact of community on individual success. He offers insightful thoughts on recruitment and retention in the tennis profession, especially in light of emerging sports like pickleball which may attract younger players’ interests.
In addition, we delve into the complexities of maintaining clay and grass courts, with Coach Sivertson sharing his experiences and insights about court management that reflect broader principles applicable in our daily lives. The discussion elegantly transitions into the topic of legacy and giving back to the community, where he reiterates the importance of mentorship in aiding the next generation of tennis professionals.
As we wrap up the episode, Coach Sivertson leaves us with practical wisdom gleaned from his extensive experience. He emphasizes the continuous journey of learning and the intrinsic value of hard work, resilience, and gratitude. The episode encapsulates how the essence of tennis transcends the court, imparting life lessons that resonate in our personal and professional endeavors.
