May 06, 2015
Getting to Know: Paul Goldstein, Stanford University Head Men’s Tennis Coach
How many years have you been directing camp?
I am thrilled to be directing my first camp this summer. By way of background, I had the privilege of attending Stanford University as a student-athlete from 1994 until my graduation in 1998. During my time on The Farm, my teammates and I became the first team in collegiate tennis history to win the NCAA title in four (4) consecutive years. What an amazing experience! Following graduation, I played professional tennis for 10 years where I reached a career high world ranking of #58 and had wins over players like Novak Djokovic, James Blake, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt. After 7 years of working in the corporate world for a fabulous clean technology company called Bloom Energy, I had the opportunity to return to my alma mater to coach the men’s tennis team. It was a wonderful and humbling opportunity that I could not pass up. I am just completing my first year as head coach of the men’s tennis program at Stanford and am having a blast. We won our first Pac 12 title in 6 years. I am looking forward to conducting the same drills and practice session during summer camp as I did as a professional tennis player and that I do now with my current team.
Favorite camp drill and why?
I like doing work using hand feeds. Hand feeds allow me to completely control the feed of the ball. I think there is no better way to hone one’s footwork than with hand feeds. I believe footwork is the most important aspect of an elite tennis player’s game. Stellar footwork is an absolute necessity to competing at the highest levels of the modern game – no exceptions.
o As players advance to an advanced level, I love 2 on 1’s - 2 players at the net volleying while 1 player is on the opposite side at the baseline retrieving balls. Purpose is for the baseline player to execute perfect footwork every shot and keep the rally going as long as possible. I think it is the best physical conditioning one can do for tennis.
Why did you get in to coaching?
First and foremost, I am passionate about tennis and passionate about serving others. As a coach/camp director, I believe it is my job to serve my students by doing everything I can to support their development. While I enjoyed my experience working in the corporate world tremendously and learned a ton, it was always “what I did” for a living. Coaching is “who I am” and I love it. Moreover, the opportunity for me to return to my alma mater and lead the program for which I played that has such a rich tradition was incredibly special and unique. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity and also feel a tremendous responsibility to be the caretaker of a program about which so many people care so deeply.
What’s in your bag?
I keep a photo of my family. I have an amazing wife and three beautiful children (fortunately they take after their mother). I always keep extra Nike clothes and Nike footwear (running shoes – Air Pegasus, flip flops – Celsio, clothes and tennis shoes – Air Cage).
If you could “borrow” one stroke from a current pro player, who would it be and why?
I’d borrow Roger Federer’s composure under pressure. He is masterful at executing his game no matter the circumstances. I felt like there were times when I was competing where I wanted it so badly that I gripped it too tightly. That mentality prevented me from executing as well as I could have under pressure. The thing I admire most about Roger is his carefree (not careless) demeanor on court.
Go-to Nike product/gear?
I’m a hoodie guy. I just got a Nike Full Zip Hoodie that I wear all the time. I also love the Nike Air Pegasus running shoe. Best running shoe I have ever worn – hands down.
For more information on the camps this summer at Stanford University, check out https://www.ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/stanford-university-paul-goldstein