Tennis has been the heartbeat of my life for as long as I can remember. From playing college tennis and chasing the dream of making it on the professional circuit, to coaching juniors and adults, the sport has shaped who I am. Yet, my evolution from player to coach wasn’t an overnight transformation—it was a journey of learning, growth, and self-discovery. A pivotal part of that journey has been my experience with the PTR and its Master of Tennis (MOT) program.
Discovering the Teacher Within
After my college playing days, I began coaching in Miami. My initial foray into coaching was raw: hitting with adults and working with kids, but without much structure or understanding of the teaching craft. Then, I attended a PTR workshop, and everything changed. It was a wake-up call—coaching wasn’t just about feeding balls; it was about becoming a teacher. That workshop helped me take the first step toward understanding how to truly engage with players and develop their potential.
My move to Maryland marked another chapter. I ran a kids’ program and dived into PTR’s specialized education programs, including the 10 & Under and 11-17 curriculums. As my players grew older and began aiming for college tennis, I knew I needed to raise my game as a coach. That’s when I decided to join the PTR MOT High Performance program to meet their expectations and help them reach their goals.
Challenges and Triumphs Amid the Pandemic
Life, however, had other plans. While visiting my parents in Colombia during the pandemic, my MOT journey came to an abrupt halt. Like so many, I faced the uncertainty and tragedy of that time. But PTR and Dr. Ann Pankhurst, the program’s mentor, displayed extraordinary patience and understanding, allowing me to pause and resume the program when the time was right.
In the interim, I adapted. I taught remotely at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, transitioned to the USTA National Campus in Orlando, and eventually found a new home at Amelia National Tennis Club in Fernandina Beach, FL. There, I’ve had the privilege of developing a junior program and helping players achieve milestones—including continuing and completing the MOT program alongside them.
The Impact of the MOT Program
The PTR MOT High Performance program has been transformative. It hasn’t just deepened my understanding of the game—it’s revolutionized how I teach it. The curriculum emphasized blending technical and tactical knowledge with communication and player development strategies. I’ve become more intentional about coaching, focusing on building players’ confidence, skills, and love for the game.
I often reflect on how the MOT would have benefited me as a young coach—and even as a player. It has taught me to see tennis from a broader perspective and given me tools to grow continuously.
Gratitude and a Vision for the Future
None of this would have been possible without the guidance of PTR, my mentors, and Dr. Ann Pankhurst. Their support has been invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this program.
As I look ahead, I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned to help my players achieve their goals while continuing to evolve as a coach. My journey with tennis is far from over, and thanks to PTR and the MOT program, the next chapter promises to be even more rewarding.
