11 Women Coaches on the Mentors Who Inspired Them

Alexandra de Guzman

Founder and Head Coach, APEX Performance Center

Charlottesville, Virginia

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

Billie Jean King. She seems so grounded, determined and admirable for paving the way for all female players.

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

It would be Serena Williams, and I'd ask her how she maintained her focus and drive while having so much attention and pressure on her.

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

Remind yourself to breathe and trust the process.

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

Tennis will open up more doors than you can ever imagine.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

When I was competing as a junior, it was "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve. I think that song is timeless and can live up to the present day.

Autumn Williams

Head Women’s Tennis Coach, Texas A&M University - Kingsville

Kingsville, Texas

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

Venus Williams inspires me as a coach. She has one of the greatest tennis minds ever. Her constant thirst for learning is something I can relate to. Venus has multiple ventures outside of tennis that required her to learn from the ground up. Even with all her success on the court, she was not afraid to be an intern in other sectors outside the sports world. I just love that!

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

It would definitely be Billie Jean King. Her impact on women’s sports has played a major role in my life. I would not and could not have been a collegiate athlete or collegiate coach without her determination and vision for women in sports. I would love to know about where she got her vision for women in sports. What was the catalyst in her life to want to push things forward in the way that she did?

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

Always be you! Bring yourself into every room and space that you enter. Be you on the tennis court, classroom, boardroom, whatever space you are in – be you fully. You are there for a reason. You bring what is unique to you. The world wants and needs to hear from you.

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

You’re going to have so much fun! Great things are ahead.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

The easiest question of them all! Beyonce, “Formation.”

Brittany Odom

Co-Founder and Assistant Director, Dennis Tennis Serving Love

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

For me, it will always be Venus and Serena Williams. As a child, I loved watching them play on television. I saw two young girls who looked like me, stepping onto the biggest stages in the world and completely owning their space in a sport that felt so different from the world I grew up in. What stayed with me just as much as their talent was their sisterhood. As a coach, I try to create that same sense of belief and belonging for my players.

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

Without hesitation, I’d choose a one-on-one session with one of the Williams sisters. Their longevity, mental toughness and ability to rise to the moment again and again is something I deeply admire. My one question: How do you stay focused and motivated through all the ups and downs? I’d love to understand the mindset habits that helped them keep showing up with greatness, year after year.

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

I tell my players all the time, “You don’t have to be perfect – you just have to be consistent.” So many young athletes think success means hitting every shot perfectly or never making mistakes. I remind them that growth comes from repetition, effort and patience. Most importantly, I want them to never give up on themselves. Tennis, just like life, rewards resilience.

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

It would say, “The moment you picked up this racquet, you started a lifelong journey.” It would say that tennis is a space where you learn confidence, courage, discipline, friendship and self-confidence. This game will challenge you, and sometimes it will feel hard. But those challenges will help you grow into the strong, capable woman you are meant to become. Always remember you are worth the time, the effort and the dream.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

I love high-energy music that gets me in a confident, ready-to-go mindset. Artists like Rihanna and Jeezy always do it for me!

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

I love high-energy music that gets me in a confident, ready-to-go mindset. Artists like Rihanna and Jeezy always do it for me!

Clarisse Baca

Director of Tennis, Mill Valley Tennis Club

Mill Valley, California

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

My favorite player growing up was Jennifer Capriati. She competed for every ball with belief and passion. As a young tennis player, it was inspiring to see that anything is possible. Her on-court traits were quickly transferred to my playing style and how I approached the game of tennis. Now as a coach, my hope is that every player that steps into my court feels the game with passion and self belief that if they work hard, they can achieve their goals!

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

Billie Jean King: What keeps you up at night?

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

Remember why you started and enjoy the competition because this is the most beautiful game in the world.

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

I still remember when my parents bought me my first adult tennis racquet, a Wilson Hammer 6.2. My message is: Hi! My name is Wilson, your new best friend, and I will be by your side every step of the way. My friend “Ball” will be joining us as well. He’s a little bit fuzzy, but the three of us will create some magic! Can’t wait to play with you.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.

Delaine Mast

Executive Director, Tennis Central NJTL; Varsity Men’s and Women’s Coach, McCaskey High School; Owner, Impact Lancaster, LLC

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

Billie Jean King has most inspired me to be the coach I am today!

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

Billie Jean would be my one-on-one coaching session. How were you able to successfully prioritize and accomplish all the things that were so important to you both on and off the court?

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

One piece of advice I always find myself repeating to motivate and get my players in the right mindset is A.P.E. (and I wear an APE around my neck to remind them!). Bring a good Attitude! Be Prepared! Give your best Effort!

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

This racquet is magical! It can open many doors for you in the future – from learning a lifetime sport that will keep you active and healthy, to meeting new friends, learning to believe in yourself and having fun. This sport teaches you the ABCs of life for on and off the court. Be agile (able to adjust and refocus), be balanced (on the court and in your life) and control (control the things that you can and let the ones you cannot go).

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Pink’s “Million Dreams.”

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Pink’s “Million Dreams.”

Katrina Hanenberg

President of North Dakota Tennis Association and USTA Northern Board Member

Bismarck, North Dakota

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

I had an amazing high school coach who inspired and believed in me to not only be a great player but to coach others. She is one of the reasons I chose a career path in tennis.

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

Lindsay Davenport has always been a player I’ve looked up to. I grew up watching her. I would ask her: How do you inspire yourself to keep going during a tennis match when you are feeling defeated and the world is watching?

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

It’s okay if you are having an off day. Remember why you love playing tennis and just go out and have fun!

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

Tennis is for everyone no matter your level. Embrace the mistakes, celebrate the wins and just have fun!

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Anything upbeat or inspiring!

Margot Carter

Director of Tennis, USTA Florida

Vero Beach, Florida

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

I had been asked to help run a one day camp and bring some of the children I was coaching. The male coach in charge proceeded to demonstrate and lead the kids through the warmup exercises. After each exercise, he had a different coach demonstrate the next exercise.

I waited for my turn to demo a warmup exercise, but it never came. The three little girls that I was coaching ran up to me and asked why I had not been asked to demonstrate a warmup exercise. Whether you realise it or not, people, especially children, are seeing and being affected by our actions, which ultimately will also affect the type of people they become in the future. This story always sits in the back of my mind as a female in a position of leadership and influence, and so, in short, most of my inspiration comes from those three little girls.

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

I would like to have dinner with Queen Elizabeth II and I would like to hear her stories of how she worked with Winston Churchill. It may be from a TV show, but the line in “The Crown” where she talks to Churchill for the first time and opens the conversation with, “I would ask you to consider your response in light of the respect that my rank and my office deserve, not that which my age and gender might suggest” is highly motivational for me!

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

Think in solutions. Actionable solutions are uplifting. Thinking about the problem itself doesn’t help you resolve the problem

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

Embrace the hustle and enjoy the ride. Don’t get hung up on results.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Queen, “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

Embrace the hustle and enjoy the ride. Don’t get hung up on results.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Queen, “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

Nancy Wilkins

Director of Tennis, Ron Jaworski's RiverWinds Golf and Tennis Club

West Deptford, New Jersey

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

It would have to be Billie Jean, as she is such an inspiring pioneer for tennis and women in general. She was an amazing player but will never stop being a coach. I was a kid jumping on the couch in my parents’ living room during the Battle of the Sexes!

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

I would love to chat with Evonne Goolagong. I loved her grace on the court and read her book as a kid. I thought it was so cool that she bought her mom a refrigerator with her Wimbledon prize money. I think I would ask her if she wished she had played longer. I sure wish she had.

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

I always start each critique with a positive: “That was a great try, but maybe next time, take that approach shot up the line instead of cross court.” I always end each lesson with a positive. If a student is struggling in a lesson, I spend the last several minutes on something they are really good at, or something that’s really fun, like trying to spike an overhead over the fence. They always leave on a positive note.

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

What a magic carpet ride you are about to embark upon. You will make your best friends through tennis. You will be healthy. You will be able to travel to new places and play on different surfaces. If you choose to, you will be able to make a living in the sport. You can play singles and doubles, two different games. You will learn honor, integrity and problem solving. All you need is a court, some balls and a friend and you can play anywhere forever.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Well, because I was raised on jazz, my psych song was always “Feels So Good” by Chuck Mangione. Give it a listen. It will make you smile!

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Well, because I was raised on jazz, my psych song was always “Feels So Good” by Chuck Mangione. Give it a listen. It will make you smile!

Natalie Pluskota-Hamberg

Head Women’s Tennis Coach, Gonzaga University

Spokane, Washington

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

My childhood coach Beth has most inspired me to be the coach I am today. She always found a way to get the most out of her players, tapping into a level of belief we didn’t always know we had in ourselves. She pushed us hard because she genuinely cared about who we were becoming, not just how we performed. From her, I learned that great coaching is about connection, accountability and bringing out the best in people, even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

Pat Summitt. What’s the question more coaches should be asking but aren’t?

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

Trust your training and preparation. YOU BELONG HERE.

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

Compete boldly and support fiercely. Let this racquet be more than a tool – it’s a way to discover resilience, joy and belief in yourself. And one day, without even realizing it, you’ll inspire the next girl watching from the fence.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

“Kill The Lights” by Alex Newell & DJ Cassidy with Nile Rodgers.

Rita Gladstone

Head Professional, Family Zone (10 & Under Tennis), USTA

Orlando, Florida

What woman in tennis history, player or coach, has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

From an historical perspective, Billie Jean King is an inspiration, of course. Tennis is a career path for women because of her. She is an icon and continues to blaze the trail for women, in sports and beyond. Another inspiring coach is Kathy Rinaldi. Years ago, I heard her speak at an awards ceremony and was so moved as she talked about the impact players had on her. It was a great example of an athlete-centered coach. I always enjoy the Coach Kathy connections at the National Campus!

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

I'm a big fan of Dara Torres, former Olympic swimmer. Question: What is your workout routine? (She is so fit!)

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

Every shot is a chance to get better (full disclosure: heard a coach use that line, loved it and stole it!).

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

You've picked the best sport. Enjoy it, and stay persistent!

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Any vintage Talking Heads or “Rosalita” by Bruce Springsteen.

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

Every shot is a chance to get better (full disclosure: heard a coach use that line, loved it and stole it!).

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

You've picked the best sport. Enjoy it, and stay persistent!

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

Any vintage Talking Heads or “Rosalita” by Bruce Springsteen.

Sharon Cleland

Director Of Racquet Sports, Riverside Country Club

Bozeman, Montana

What woman in tennis history has most inspired you to be the coach you are today?

Gabriela Sabatini.

If you could have a one-on-one coaching session with any female legend from the past 50 years, who would it be and what one question would you ask her?

Steffi Graf. How did you stay mentally fearless in the biggest moments, especially when the pressure was highest and everyone expected you to win?

What’s the one piece of advice you find yourself repeating most to uplift your players?

Love The Battle!

If you could send a postcard to every young girl picking up a racquet for the first time today, what would it say?

As you pick up a racquet today, remember this: you pick up confidence, courage and your own voice. This game will teach you resilience, friendships and belief in yourself. Keep swinging and enjoy the journey.

What’s your power song before a big match or practice?

“Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor.