Clarkston News Sports Writer
The Clarkston girls tennis team did not need much time to adjust to the new varsity coach. They received a familiar face in former Junior Varsity Coach Craig Judd.
Judd, who has coached at Brother Rice and teaches lessons at Deer Lake, said he has worked with most of the players.
‘Even though I was the junior varsity coach last year, I’ve worked with quite a few of them,? Judd said. ‘I’m a teaching pro, so I’m extremely good at the bio-mechanics of tennis. I always offer to any team I’m involved with the opportunity to work after or before practice on their form.?
The varsity job at Clarkston is Judd’s first, but he is confident he is up for the task.
‘It’s overwhelming, but it’s a great opportunity,? Judd said. ‘The job offers a lot of challenges, but I’m up for all the challenges. The girls are up for playing hard and I’m up for coaching hard.?
Judd’s goal is to help the team qualify for the state finals this year. Judd said his favorite part of coaching is seeing the players succeed.
‘I like seeing the success of players after they have worked hard,? Judd said. ‘I like seeing how happy they are. Encouraging them to work hard and seeing them benefit from it.?
Judd has been around tennis a long time. According to Judd, he gave his first tennis lesson when he 15 years old and won a city-wide tennis tournament in Washington when he was 14.
Judd made the decision to come to Clarkston when he and his wife learned they were having a baby.
‘We wanted to choose a community to live in for an extended period and we chose Clarkston,? Judd said. ‘When I came out here, I swapped out teaching at Birmingham Racket Club and coaching Brother Rice, and started teaching at Deer Lake and coaching the junior varsity boys team.?
Judd said he has high expectations for his first year as coach and is confident the team can deliver.
‘The girls are confident and are going to work together this year,? Judd said.