UC Santa Cruz Nike Tennis Camp Santa Cruz, California
This summer, choose a summer camp with the ultimate combination of athletics and fun at the UC Santa Cruz Nike Tennis Camp. By offering a perfect mix of match play, drill work, strategy sessions and on-campus and off-campus activities, there’s no better way to spend a summer!
UC Santa Cruz, a favorite Nike Tennis Camp venue for over 20 years, again offers general, high school and national training camp sessions for juniors. All weekly camps consist of a core tennis program that includes technical, tactical, physical, and mental aspects of tennis. Mornings focus on the technique while afternoons are geared towards match-play situations. Create memories to last a lifetime at this junior summer tennis camp!
International Campers Welcome!
International campers seeking a Sport and Language program can find a list of camp sessions and a detailed description of our new programs by Clicking Here. International campers seeking a Sport Only program, a multi-week sport camp experience, can easily combine any of our individual Tennis Camp sessions together with a weekend stay over to create the right camp program to fit your needs!
Dartfish video analysis offered at this camp! See details tab for more info.
Highlights Include
- Daily on-court instruction from renown former Slugs men's tennis coach, Bob Hansen, and current head coaches, Bryce Parmelly and Jason Ringstad, and former women's coach, Erin Ness
- Davis Cup style team competition each week
- Dartfish video analysis
- Every camper will receive a Nike Tennis Camp t-shirt
- Fun off-court evening activities including a sports night with a climbing wall, Casino Night and concludes with a camp dance on the last night
- 5-6 hours of tennis daily with a 6:1 student to teacher ratio
The University of California, Santa Cruz is an easy drive from San Francisco, San Jose, and the Monterey Peninsula, (and about 30-40 minutes from the San Jose Airport.) The campus, defined by rolling meadows and towering redwoods, is a perfect environment for a Nike Tennis Camp. The campus offers a perfect environment with 12 ocean view outdoor courts, playing fields, gymnasium and Olympic-sized pool.
Meet your coaching staff
Camp Director
Bob Hansen
Bob Hansen, famous men’s coach and creator of the Santa Cruz “Slugs” tennis program is a seven-time NCAA championship winner and returns for his 32nd year as director of the camp. Hansen is now the Head Men’s tennis coach at Middlebury College, after coaching the UCSC Slugs for over 30 years with many national team titles.
Read Full BioHansen is now in his second season as the head coach of the Middlebury men's tennis team. He came to Middlebury from the University of California Santa Cruz, where he has served as the head men’s coach for the past 30 years.
The creator of the UCSC tennis program, Hansen is regarded as one of the top coaches in the country. Hansen led the team to seven NCAA Championships (1989, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2005, 2007, 2009), appearing in the finals 13 of the last 24 years. Hansen’s players have won 10 NCAA doubles titles and five NCAA singles titles. Under coach Hansen’s direction, the UCSC tennis program produced 117 All-Americans.
Hansen has been named the ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) Coach of the Year four times and in 2000 was honored as the ITA Coach of the Decade for the 1990s. During that time span, his teams were undefeated against Division III opponents in the regular season going with a 73-0 mark. Hansen has served as an executive board member of the ITA as well as its Division III representative. He also served as the chair of the NCAA Division III Tennis Committee as well as a member of the ITA Rules Committee.
As a player, Hansen was Northern California’s Open Player of the Year and was ranked in the top eight for five straight years during the late 1970s. He received an ATP world ranking as well as much valuable coaching experience while playing the international circuit before coming to UC Santa Cruz. He registered wins over many top 100 players including top-10 players Brad Gilbert and Paul McNamee. He won the USTA 40 National Grass Court Championships held in Santa Barbara.
During the summers Hansen directed the NIKE Santa Cruz Tennis Camps where he was a pioneer in the development of the tournament training program for ranked juniors.
Hansen is a 1975 graduate of San Jose State University, where he earned a degree in physical education. He later returned to his alma mater and received a master’s degree in the same subject in 1980.
During the summers he directs the NIKE Santa Cruz Tennis Camps where he was a pioneer in the development of the tournament training program for ranked juniors.
Co-Director
Bryce Parmelly
Bryce Parmelly is entering his 11th season affiliated with the UCSC Men’s Tennis program. Parmelly enters his second year as UCSC head men's tennis coach.
Read Full BioHe graduated in 2005 with a degree in Psychology before starting his coaching career under legendary coach Bob Hansen. Given his time spent here as a player, coach, and 11 summers of involvement with the Nike Jr. Tennis Camp Santa Cruz, Bryce’s influence over the Slug culture has been nothing short of profound as he steps into his first season as the Head Men’s Tennis Coach. Bryce’s mission is clear, “I believe whole-heartedly in the Slug Tennis program and the significant impact it has on people. This is why I have chosen to take over as the Head Men’s Tennis Coach here at UC Santa Cruz. I want to continue contributing to Slug Tennis and to share all that Bob and Slug Tennis have taught me. The journey to build a championship team year in and year out will continue to drive this program.”
As the Head Assistant Coach between the years 2005-2010 the Slugs have won an astounding four National Team Titles. The Slugs won the ITA National Indoor Team Championships in 2007 and 2010, and were finalists in 2006 and 2008. In 2007 and 2009 the Slugs finished the season as the top ranked team in the country taking home the NCAA Team Title both years. In these five seasons the Slugs never ended their season with a national ranking lower than six. Bryce helped to produce two National Singles Titles, three National Doubles Titles, three Ojai Singles Championships, two Ojai Doubles Championships, along with eight singles and 12 doubles All-American selections. In 2010 he was awarded ITA Assistant Coach of the Year for the West Region.
As a player, Bryce helped lead his team to the 2005 NCAA Team Championship. His team reached the finals of the ITA National Indoor Championships twice in 2002 and 2005. In each of his four seasons the Slugs never ended their season with a national ranking lower than five. His singles career consisted of multiple wins over top 30 nationally ranked players and in 2005 he was selected as a Doubles All-American. He and his partner won the ITA West Regional Tournament in the fall of 2004 as they went on to reach the finals of the ITA National Small College Championships that same year. In the winter of 2004, Bryce reached his highest national doubles ranking of two in the country.
Co-Director
Erin Ness
Erin Ness served for five years as theUCSC Slug Women's Head Tennis Coach and led the team to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
Read Full BioUnder Ness's lead, the Slugs finished the 2007-2008 season ranked #22 in the nation and #4 in the West Region. She produced an All-American with her top player finishing with a #20 national ranking in singles. The team became an ITA All-Academic Team and had two ITA Scholar-Athletes. In her first year, she led the team to the second round of the NCAA tournament, which has happened only one other time in the program's history. UCSC finished the 2006-2007 season ranked #24 in the nation, #5 in the west region, and had one player become an ITA Scholar-Athlete. During the summer she is an Assistant Director for the Nike Tennis Camps at UCSC.
Erin graduated in June 2006 with a B.A. in psychology from UCSC and played all four years for the Slugs. She was an assistant coach her junior year after ending her season early because of a shoulder injury, and team captain for her last two years. During her last two years on the team, she led the Slugs to consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament.
Co-Director
Jason Ringstad
Jason Ringstad is the UCSC Slug Women's Interum Tennis Coach.
Program Info
(Camp Code: TNXRSC)
This year we are offering six weeks of Overnight and Extended Day (8:30am-9:00pm) and Day (8:30am-4:00pm) camp for kids ages 9-18 of all skill levels. All meals are included for Overnight campers. Lunch and dinner are included for Extended Day Campers. Lunch is included for Day campers.
Upon arrival, all participants are evaluated by the staff so that their own instructional needs can be addressed throughout the week.
Tournament Training and High School Programs:
In addition to the “All Skills” program offered each week, this year we are offering a national training program and high school program during certain weeks of camp.
- The national 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 program is provided for players ages 13-18 currently on their high school team and wanting to move up the ladder or those planning on making the high school team.
June 23-28 (All Skills & National Training) (Directors: Hansen, Parmelly, Ness & Belletto)
July 7-12 (All Skills & High School & National Training) (Director: Parmelly & Ringstad)
July 14-19 (All Skills & High School & National Training)(Director: Parmelly & Ringstad)
July 21-26 (All Skills & High School & National Training) (Directors: Hansen, Parmelly & Ness)
July 28-August 2 (All Skills & High School & National Training) (Directors: Hansen, Parmelly & Ness)
August 4-9 (High School Only | Ages 13-18) (Directors: Hansen, Parmelly & Ness)
Dartfish video analysis will be used during the camp to analyze and improve your strokes and is provided at no extra charge for all campers. See your strokes compared to a top playing professional! Your Dartfish Mediabook will be posted to a private player locker on Dartfish.tv and reviewed with you by the staff at camp (click here for an example). The package includes:
- Stroke Analysis: Your Dartfish Mediabook contains videos of your strokes, plus side-by-side comparison with a pro, along with comments.
- Pro Stroke Library: Three months of access to Pro Stroke Library, featuring hundreds of strokes in both real and high speed.
- Camp highlights video*: This video of camp activities and friends all set to music will be something everyone will want to have and keep forever. (*Only offered at participating locations.)
Check-in / Check-out Times:
Check-in: All campers Sunday between 12:30-2:30pm at dorms (name TBD). (All Day and Extended Day Campers will depart that evening after dinner and evening activities at 9:00pm.)
Graduation: 4:30pm at the dorms (name TBD). (Parents invited to attend!)
Check-out: Immediately following graduation at 5:15pm on the last day of the session.
Day & Extended Day Camper Information
• On Sunday (Check-in day), Day campers & Extended Day campers stay until 9:00pm.
• Monday through Thursday Day campers come from 8:30am-4:00pm and Extended Day campers come from 8:30am to 9:00pm.
• Check-out for all campers is immediately after the Graduation on Friday at 5:15pm.
• Meals: Lunch and dinner are provided for all Extended Day campers. Lunch is provided for all Day campers.
Dorms
Campers live on-campus in the dorms (name TBD) and the courts and dining faciltities are an easy walk. Campers stay 2 per room and are assigned by age and roommate requests. Some triples may be available, but not guaranteed. There is no A/C in the dorms. Campers may bring fans.
Evening Activities
In addition to the Davis Cup competition during the week, evenings give the campers a chance to relax and enjoy fun off-court activities like a sports night with a climbing wall, Casino Night, a trip to the Beach and Boardwalk and concludes with a camp dance on the last night.
Weekend Stayovers
Weekend stayovers are available between all sessions EXCEPT between weeks 1&2. Campers attending multiple sessions, and who stay over the weekend, are fully supervised and enjoy fun activities like movies and ice cream, visiting downtown Santa Cruz, the beach or the Mystery spot in Santa Cruz. There is a charge of $200/weekend. Additional spending money is required.
Designated Airport: San Jose International Airport
Travel
Nike Tennis Camp does not provide any transportation to/from camp from airport, train stations or bus depots. If you fly into camp, we recommend that you fly into San Jose International Airport and schedule a shuttle from the airport to camp through California Airport Transportation (831) 477-7000.
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. Our health and release forms do not require a doctor's signature and they will be collected on the first day of camp.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 8:30am Stretching, Camp Meeting at Courts
- 8:45am Tennis Instruction
- 10:00am Break
- 10:15am Tennis Instruction and Drills
- 11:45am Lunch, Rest, Optional Tennis
- 1:15pm Tennis Program, Match Play
- 2:45pm Break
- 3:00pm Tennis Program, Doubles and Drills
- 4:00pm Conclusion of Daily Tennis Program
- 4:15pm Groups or Private Extra Help, Optional Tennis, Swimming
- 5:00pm Rest, Shower, Dinner
- 7:15pm Evening Activity
- 9:00pm Extended Day Campers Depart
- 9:30pm Overnight Campers to Rooms
- 10:15pm Lights Out
Past/Repeat Camper
Veteran Camper Still Impressed
I had an awesome time at camp this summer, and though it was my fourth summer there, everything was still fun and exciting. I learned a lot while I was at camp and made some awesome new friends, as well as seeing old friends. Also, I got really close to some of the counselors and that was awesome. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Past Camper
Overcoming Nerves
I didn’t know what to expect coming to this camp. I was slightly worried because I didn’t go with any other people I knew. However, the counselors and staff were very nice and made it so I was not nervous to play. Although my week had its ups and downs, I improved greatly, and had a wonderful overall experience. When I got back home I signed up for a tournament and ended up taking second place in 16 and under Doubles. Without going to camp previously, I don’t think I would have taken a chance to play in a tournament like this. Because of this I would like to say thank you to all of the staff that made my week so memorable, and helped me to better my game.
Past Camper
Time of My Life!
When I first got to the camp, the director told us campers that he wanted to make this "the best five days of our lives" and at first I laughed because I thought, "well this is just a tennis camp"... I was completely wrong! Those five days were the BEST five days of my life! I have never had so much fun and the people I met were amazing. All the counselors were awesome and also very helpful. I improved so much especially from just those little pep talks we got everyday. I am so happy I could share my experience in this comment box because it has only been five days since I was there and I CANNOT stop talking about what an amazing time I had. I asked my parents to let me go back every day! The staff couldn't get better, the tennis playing couldn't get better, the atmosphere just could not get any better than what it is. Next year, I am coming back for three weeks AT LEAST! I have made life long friends and the memories I have from that camp will never fade. Not to mention, everything was clean and the people in the kitchen were sooooo considerate to those with dietary issues. I was so impressed. They truly did do everything to make it the best experience of my life. I cannot wait till next year. I LOVE UC SANTA CRUZ NIKE TENNIS CAMP!!! I wish I could express my love for this camp more!!!! Now, I am SO in love with tennis I just want to play everyday for hours and hours, so I do! Every time I play a match, I will never forget that one thing Ben told everyone that helped me become undefeated in camp... "Stay in the present. Don't think about winning. Don't think about losing. Just play out that one point." I learned so many new formations and my friend and I came up with our own which worked! AMAZING! I would give just about anything to be back there right now! I already got 6 of my friends to come next year 
Well done Nike Tennis Camp! Thank you for giving me the most outstanding time of my life. DON’T CHANGE!!!! Long story short... UC Santa Cruz Nike Tennis Camp was the best 5 days I have ever had and NOTHING, absolutely NOTHING, could top that camp. THANK YOU!
Love, Camper of the Week (which was also pretty awesome receiving that award)
Parent of Camper
The Perfect Balance
My daughter had a great time. A good balance between independence and supervision. She felt trusted so could be trustworthy. The tennis was great and the friends wonderful. Amazingly, no food complaints.
Past Camper
Coaches Take the Cake
The best sports camps I’ve ever been to. The counselors were awesome. Had such a great time… Bird and Coach Hansen are fantastic coaches and know what they are talking about.
Past Camper
Great staff!
Great counsellors! Couldn't be a better balance between fun, funny and amazing tennis coaching. Go Chris and Bird and Bob!
Past Camper
Most fun!
Santa Cruz Tennis camp was one of the most fun weeks that I've spent this summer. It highly helped me improve as a player and now I am way more eager to play and to practice the game. The counselors were kind and the college campus layout was nice. I can't wait to come back next summer for my second experience, and to show everyone how I have improved.
Parent of Camper
Positive Player
Bob Hansen and the entire staff were PHENOMENAL! – Very enthusiastic, competent, and fully engaged with the kids. My daughter left with extremely positive feelings about the state of her tennis game after the camp.