Tennis Coach Has Reserved Demeanor, Yet Powerful Impact

Coach Jackie Tran is Lamar’s JV tennis coach, and he is a very reserved person who does not show a lot of emotion. His expertise as a coach, however, is undeniable.

Even though he is quiet, it is clear that Tran truly cares about every player and wants them all to succeed. He believes that every student deserves experience and a chance to grow, so he makes sure everyone gets opportunities to play and improve. During practice, he carefully observes each player and designs drills based on what he notices they need to work on during games. This shows that he pays close attention and is always thinking about how to help his students become better athletes.

At tournaments, Tran goes out of his way to support the team. He wakes up early and drives the players to tournaments in the school suburban, showing his dedication and responsibility. While watching matches, he studies how each player performs and gives advice in a calm and respectful way. Instead of being harsh or yelling, he explains what they can do differently. Tran motivates his players in a positive and encouraging way. His coaching style makes students feel supported and confident, which helps them perform better. Because of his coaching, many students have improved quickly, and some have even won medals within their first year of playing tennis.

“When our students win medals, there is a sense of pride and fulfillment,” Tran shares. “Coaching is a job that has its ups and downs, but when a student is able to complete at his or her respective level, it validates the struggles that we’ve had together.”

Some may think he is too quiet to be a coach, but when he is coaching, he becomes much more talkative and active with the team. He is always focused on helping his students learn and grow. On a deeper level, Coach Tran does more than just teach tennis skills. He encourages his students to try new things, even if they are unsure or have an initial negative perspective.