Inaugural Coaches Open Brings Energy, Connection and Inspiration to New York
More than 550 members of the coaching community came together Aug. 25-27 for three days of education, networking, on-court experiences and memorable moments at the US Open.
From packed meeting rooms and presentations to an early-morning on-court experience at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the inaugural Coaches Open brought more than 550 coaches and industry professionals to New York for three days of education, connection and shared experiences.
Held Aug. 25-27, the event combined professional development with opportunities to network, exchange ideas and experience the US Open at close range. Attendance exceeded expectations for the debut event, while the response from participants throughout the three days was overwhelmingly positive.
From the outset, organizers focused on creating an environment that felt warm and welcoming. Registration areas, meeting spaces, lounges, hospitality and social events were designed not only to support the conference schedule but to encourage attendees to spend time together and build relationships.
That approach was especially evident in the opening-day programming. Sessions covered a broad range of topics for coaches working in different settings and at different stages of their careers, and many drew capacity crowds, with standing room only in some meeting rooms.
“Everything that we did with this conference was very intentional,” says Steven Keller, Senior Manager, Coach Education Program Recognition. “We had a tremendous variety and diversity of presentations. There was really a little something for everyone.”
Selected sessions were repeated during the afternoon, giving attendees the opportunity to participate in presentations that otherwise would have competed for their time. Meals and breaks were also incorporated into the schedule to encourage people to remain onsite, continue conversations and connect with fellow coaches between sessions.
Alfonso Camerlingo, Co-founder of Alderamin Tennis in Northwest Arkansas, says, “The USTA Coaches Open reaffirmed the vision I firmly believe in: elevating coaches to leaders is the key to the growth of tennis. Strengthening our leadership means expanding our impact, transforming players and communities, building the future of tennis.”
“El USTA Coaches Open reafirmó la visión que creo firmemente: elevar a los entrenadores a líderes es la clave en el crecimiento del tenis. Fortalecer nuestro liderazgo es ampliar nuestro impacto transformando jugadores, comunidades construyendo el futuro del tenis.”
The first day concluded with a welcome party that gave attendees another chance to meet new colleagues and reconnect with longtime friends from across the coaching profession.
That mix of established industry veterans and new faces was one of the defining characteristics of the event. Participants represented different areas of the tennis industry, including coaches from the public and private sectors, along with exhibitors and other industry professionals.
A Major-Stage Experience
Day two shifted the Coaches Open to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with attendees boarding buses early in the morning for a day built around both education and the US Open experience.
The morning featured a private program inside Louis Armstrong Stadium, where attendees participated in on-court presentations in one of the sport’s premier venues. Leading the on-court sessions were featured coaches Margie Zesinger, Sandra Zaniewxka, Paul Annacone and Brad Stine. Adding to the excitement, Coach Michael Chang made a surprise appearance.
The setting gave coaches an opportunity to experience professional development in a distinctly different environment: inside a major tennis stadium, surrounded by the energy of the US Open. After the on-court programming, attendees had opportunities to watch US Open practice sessions and take in the tournament grounds before the day culminated with mixed doubles competition that evening.
“The Coaches Open helps you get better, and as you get better, it's really a benefit for your students back home, with more knowledge, better drills and more things you can do,” says Jorge Capestany, Founder of TennisDrills.TV.
The combination reflected one of the broader ideas behind the Coaches Open: Coaching education extends well beyond technical instruction and drills. Developing athletes and successful programs also requires leadership, communication, relationship-building and an understanding of the overall experience coaches create for players.
Those themes became even more prominent during the final day of the event.
Lessons Beyond the Court
Day three brought attendees together for general sessions exploring leadership, hospitality, communication, performance and the coach-athlete relationship.
Will Guidara, author of Unreasonable Hospitality, discussed the value of exceeding expectations and creating memorable experiences. His message offered lessons applicable well beyond the hospitality industry, particularly for coaches and program leaders seeking to strengthen relationships with players, families and clients.
Another session drew lessons from hockey, led by US Olympic Women's Hockey Coach John Wroblewski and US Olympic Women’s Hockey Goalie Aerin Frankel, who shared insights during a conversation about preparation, team building, communication and performing under pressure. The discussion highlighted the similarities athletes face across sports, including the mental and physical preparation required when competing on the biggest stages.
The closing general session featured Andre Agassi and longtime coach Darren Cahill.
Their conversation explored the player-coach relationship, Agassi’s career and his climb back from No. 141 in the world, along with his work in philanthropy and education. Personal stories and reflections on their years working together offered attendees another perspective on the influence a coach can have during both the highest and lowest points of an athlete’s career.
The session concluded with a standing ovation.
A closing party featuring music, food, LED table tennis, air hockey and dancing brought the three-day event to a fun finish and gave attendees one final opportunity to spend time together.
For organizers, however, some of the most encouraging feedback was about something less tangible than any individual session or activity: the sense of community participants felt throughout the event.
“There’s a sense of belonging,” Keller says. “You want to be a part of USTA Coaching.”
That feeling was reflected in comments from attendees throughout the week, including longtime industry professionals and coaches who were engaging with the USTA Coaching community for the first time.
The inaugural Coaches Open offered plenty to remember: packed sessions, world-class speakers, an up-close US Open experience and three days surrounded by others who share a commitment to coaching.
But its lasting impact may be found in the conversations and relationships that continue long after everyone has gone home. For a first-year event built around bringing the coaching community together, that may be the most meaningful measure of success.
