A feature that shines the spotlight on people who help create enriching and enjoyable recreational experiences at the Glenview Park District.
Jim Kultgen
Junior Program Coordinator, Glenview Tennis Club
Tennis Anyone? At the Glenview Tennis Club…it is for everyone! Jim Kultgen with Glenview Tennis Club junior players.
Whether your little one is picking up a racquet for the first time or you have a teen on the fast track for national championships, the Glenview Tennis Club’s comprehensive Junior Tennis Program is the place for everyone.
Jim Kultgen, the Glenview Tennis Club’s junior program coordinator, has a passion for tennis and for working with kids. He is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin -WhiteWater and has extensive experience in grass roots programming.
Tennis is one sport you can start playing at a young age and play throughout your life. To Jim, it is rewarding helping kids discover and develop their confidence and the physical and mental skills they need to succeed.
Q: How long have you been playing tennis? A: I started playing tennis when I was 14 years-old.
Q: What inspired you to make tennis your profession, especially “junior programming?”
A: I always knew I would have a career in sports. In college, I realized tennis would be the best track for me. Working with juniors is very rewarding. It is fun to see kids progress. We keep classes moving at a fast pace to keep it fun, but, at the same time give students the instruction they need to keep progressing.
Q: What responsibilities are involved with your job?
A: In addition to my teaching responsibilities I develop the curriculum for classes, administer registration, conduct evaluations for new participants, coordinate school out- reach activities, and direct all USTA tournaments.
Q: How has junior tennis changed over the years?
A: The biggest recent change has been the introduction of “QuickStart” which uses scaled-down equipment, court dimensions and scoring that is perfect for kids. QuickStart also utilizes age-based stages of programming so kids are successful more quickly and learn the skills they need to continue to develop as players. The Glenview Tennis Club was one of the first clubs in the Chicago area to offer QuickStart.
Q: Why is tennis an important sport for kids? How can it help them physically, socially and mentally?
A: As an individual sport, it demands a level of focus and responsibility that is not always required in a team sport. Players are solely responsible for their successes and disappointments. Having to call lines and be in compliance of rules teaches players sportsmanship. From a physical perspective, tennis is one of the world’s most challenging
sports, combining the lower body agility of soccer with the upper body dexterity of basketball and baseball.
Q: What differentiates Glenview Tennis Club’s junior program from others?
A: Most junior programs in the North Shore develop a specialty, just focusing on tournament or recreational players. At the Glenview Tennis Club, we have a comprehensive program to meet the needs of all players in all segments of junior tennis. In the past four years, our junior program was revamped to offer an extensive curriculum from pre-school lessons that focus on developing motor skills to high–level coaching that prepares 18 year-olds for national competition.
Q: Tell us about the new Academy?
A: Our Academy Coordinators Mark Bey and Ben Ashford have extensive experience developing top-ranked junior competitors and designed an elite program allowing our most promising players to train at the Glenview Tennis Club for the entirety of their junior tennis careers. The program has been well received by Glenview residents and has inspired an exciting buzz at the club. One of our Academy members just won a USTA National Championship in Arizona.
Q: If you could look five years into the future, what would you like to see happening with tennis programs for kids?
A: I am seeing more opportunities for tennis to be played in a team-based format which can be more fun and competitive. Also, coaches in all sports are starting to get access to research on how children learn most effectively. The Glenview Tennis Club has a reputation for successfully adapting to new trends, so, I am sure you will see these trends come to fruition early on at the Glenview Tennis Club.
I hope to see you on the courts at the Glenview Tennis Club! Experience it > online registration is just a click away |
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