Sports Marketing teacher Schuyler Henderson begins first year as Boys Tennis coach

Shuyler+Henderson+looks+on+as+the+players+warm+up+during+practice+on+March+13.+This+is+Hendersons+first+year+as+Boys+Tennis+Coach.+Photo+by+William+Kluttz.

Shuyler Henderson looks on as the players warm up during practice on March 13. This is Henderson’s first year as Boys Tennis Coach. Photo by William Kluttz.

First year teacher Schuyler Henderson is starting his first year of coaching as well, taking over the boy’s tennis team. 

Henderson originally didn’t expect to be a coach going into this year. “They needed someone who could be there everyday for practices, things like that, and I was available, so I thought it would be kind of like a good opportunity to get into coaching sports,” Henderson said.

 Eventually, senior Nick Serway, who is in Henderson’s Sports Marketing class, persuaded him to become coach. “I saw him, got to know him a bit, really nice guy. I was like, ‘okay, you know, sports…you seem like the right guy for tennis,’” Serway said.

Although Henderson hadn’t played tennis before, he had watched his brother play on the varsity team during high school, so he had plenty of knowledge of the game. Henderson hopes to learn how to play through the players. “I kind of try to pick some of the players’ brains to learn a little bit myself.  I’d like to think that I’ve gotten better since the start, but it’s a work in progress,” Henderson said. “hopefully they can teach me a few things.”

The prior coach, nicknamed “Coach Flo” has remained as more of an assistant coach. Henderson says that coach Flores has been a help with technical details of the game. “He’s got a lot more to offer the players in that aspect than I do… it’s really nice to have him, especially for more of the instructional things,” Henderson said.

Freshman tennis player Aiden Armstead said that Henderson has been good for team motivation. “I like him,” Armstead said. 

The first scrimmage was on March 8, and the first match was on March 13. Henderson said they will take the things they learned from those and “carry them through the rest of the season.”

When Henderson isn’t coaching, he enjoys attending games of his favorite NFL team, the Minnesota Vikings. He also enjoys golfing.

Henderson is excited for what this season will bring. “We’re strong and… we know what to focus on.”