Sacred Heart University Nike Tennis Camp Fairfield, Connecticut
The Sacred Heart Nike Tennis Camp is a day camp for young athletes to come and vastly improve their tennis game. Our camps combine technical instruction and drilling from a top notch coaching staff, supervised match play, and a variety of fun activities.
The Sacred Heart Nike Tennis Camp focuses on instruction as well as match play, giving each camper a positive learning environment to enhance their skills, foster teamwork, self-confidence and good sportsmanship. Our goal at this summer camp is to give players the opportunity to hit thousands of balls, improve their technique, and be challenged by some of the best players in their peer group. Campers will work hard, make new friends and have a lot of fun. Join us this summer and take your game to the next level!
Highlights Include
- 5-6 hours of daily instruction with low camper to staff ratio and 24 hour supervision
- Daily instruction from top teaching pros, Mike Guastelle and Paul Gagliardi, and their experienced staff
- We offer a "10 and Under Tennis" program, featuring smaller courts and lighter, lower-bouncing balls
- Every camper receives a Nike Tennis Camp T-shirt
- Safe, healthy and fun environment
Situated on Sacred Heart University’s main campus in beautiful, suburban, Fairfield.
Meet your coaching staffMike Guastelle
Mike Guastelle is in his 14th year as a member of the Sacred Heart University athletic department. Mike currently holds the position of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Operations as well as Director of Tennis/Head women's tennis coach.
Read Full BioPrior to working in Operations, Mike served as Director of Athletic Communications for seven years as well as men's tennis coach. As a coach, Mike was the 1997 New England Collegiate Conference's women's tennis "Coach of the Year", led the men's tennis program to the finals of the Northeast Conference Tennis Championships in 2004, and led his women's program to their first New England Intercollegiate Championship in 2005. He holds a bachelor's degree in Sports Management as well as a master's degree in Athletic Administration from Springfield College. Mike resides in Fairfield with his wife Karen, the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at the University, and son Jake (2).
Co-Director
Paul Gagliardi
Paul Gagliardi is entering his sixth season at the reigns of the men's tennis program in 2011-12.
Read Full Bio
The Pioneers finished the 2010 season with the best record in the programs history at 16-8 including an undefeated run through the Northeast Conference in dual match play in he regular season. The Pioneers were led by Kirill Kasyanov who took home the program's first-ever NEC Player of the Year award.
In addition to Kasyanov's Player of the Year honors, Gagliardi coached six players to All-NEC recognition in 2009-10. Kasyanov along with teammates Adam Gart, Nick Mazzarese, Chris Ujick and Cole Conrad earned first team accolades while Michael Syer took a spot on the second team.
Program
This year we are offering six weeks of Junior day camp from 9am-3pm for kids ages 7-18 for players of all abilities. Mike Guastelle directs two sessions and and Paul Gagliardi direct four sessions. Campers should bring their own lunch.
Tournament Training and High School Sessions:
In addition to the general camp sessions, this year we are offering tournament training and high school sessions during certain weeks of camp. Make sure to note that you would like to participate in these programs when you register.
- The tournament training program is geared towards tournament level and ranked players looking to improve their tournament results, learn winning strategies, and work on mental toughness.
- The high school session is provided for players currently on their high school team and wanting to move up the ladder or those planning on making the high school team.
10 and Under Tennis:
In addition, we offer a “10 and Under Tennis” program, featuring the USTA’s successful new teaching format. This is an exciting new way kids 10 and under are learning to play tennis as well as compete. The courts are smaller and balls are low-compression so they are easier to hit, allowing kids to get to the ball and develop optimal swing patterns. It all makes it easy and fun for them to hit, play and score from the start, while developing skills that will last a lifetime. Please note: This program is optional and younger campers may opt to play regular tennis on the full courts. For more information on “10 and Under Tennis” programs nationwide, Click Here to check out the USTA website.
Upon arrival, all participants are evaluated by the staff so that their own instructional needs can be addressed throughout the week.
Check-in and Check-out times
Check-In: Monday at 8:45am at the Tennis Courts (located across from the William H. Pitt Center).
Check-Out: Friday at 3:00pm at the courts.
Daily Program Schedule
Day Camp runs 9:00am to 3:00pm (Monday through Friday). Campers should bring their own lunch.
Registration Packet
A detailed camper registration packet containing check in location, health/release forms, emergency contact info, and a list of things to bring will be emailed to all registered campers in the Spring. PLEASE NOTE: Our health and release forms require a doctor's signature and they will be collected on the first day of camp.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 9:00am Introduction and rules of the camp
- 9:15am Stroke of the Day
- 9:30am Drills involving the Stroke of the Day
- 11:15am Lunch break for half the group / others playing matches or games
- 12:15pm Lunch for alternate group / others playing matches or games
- 1:15pm Stroke of the Day II
- 1:30pm Drills involving Stroke of the Day II
- 2:30pm Games/contests
- 3:00pm Departure
Parent of Camper
Valued Video Taping
The director, Mike, and his coaches were very nice and attentive. They made it a very enjoyable experience for my 9-year old. He especially loved the video-taping of his game.
Parent of Camper
BIG Thank You!
THANK YOU, CHARLIE IN CALIFORNIA, FOR ANSWERING ALL OF MY QUESTIONS, TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK WITH ME AT LENGTH ABOUT YOUR TENNIS CAMP, AND EXPRESSING SINCERE CONCERN FOR ME AND MY SON. MICHAEL HAD A TERRIFIC EXPERIENCE AT YOUR TENNIS CAMP IN YOUR HOMETOWN OF FAIRFIELD, CT AND MADE SOME WONDERFUL CONNECTIONS. YOU WILL HAVE HIM ENROLLED IN YOUR CAMP AGAIN NEXT YEAR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
Parent of Camper
Excellent instruction!
Paul Gagliardi helped my son's game by providing excellent instruction and positive feedback.
Parent of Camper
Great atmosphere at camp!
My son had a great week. There was a great atmosphere every day when I collected him. Thank you
Parent of Camper
Super Staff
Both of my children really enjoyed the camp. The staff was terrific at teaching them as well as in their supervision and handling of the kids.