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 Slugs men's tennis coach, Bob Hansen, and his exceptional staff
- 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, a trip to the Beach and Boardwalk 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 31st 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 BioRegarded as one of the best coaches in the country, Coach Hansen has been selected as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Coach of the Year four times and in 2000 was honored as the ITA Coach of the Decade for the 90's. (During the 90's his teams were undefeated against Div III opponents in the regular season going 73-0) He 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 Div lll tennis committee as well as a member of the ITA Rules Committee.
He has also received the Coach of the Year honor from the United States Professional Tennis Association. Hansen has led the Slugs to the Final Four of the NCAA Team Championships 19 out of the past 23 years. The team has won seven NCAA National Team Championships (1989, 1995,1996,1998, 2005, 2007, 2009) and have reached the NCAA Finals thirteen of the past twenty years. His players have won nine NCAA National Doubles titles and five NCAA National Singles titles. Under coach Hansen's direction, the Slug Tennis program has produced 111 All-American selections.
As a player, Coach Hansen was Northern California's Open Player of the Year and was ranked in the top eight for five straight years. 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 ten players Brad Gilbert and Paul Macnamee. He won the USTA 40 National Grass Court Championships held in Santa Barbara.
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
Ben Belletto
Co-directing the camp for his 14th summer will be Pomona Pitzer head men's coach Ben Belletto.
Read Full Bio
Before taking the head coaching job at Pomona-Pitzer in 2003, Belletto ran a year-round junior tennis program in Santa Cruz. He brings years of experience and an overall passion for the game of tennis.
Ben Belletto has been the head coach at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges since 2003. A graduate of St. Mary College of California with a b.a. in Politics, Coach Beletto is currently pursuing his masters degree in Physical Education at Azusa Pacific University.
Before arriving at Pomona-Pitzer, Belletto was the head coach at Piedmont High School in Northern California, as well as the director of the Santa Cruz Nike Tennis School.
As a player, Belletto was an all-conference doubles selection in 1997 at Santa Barbara City College. In 1999, Belletto played number one singles and doubles at Cabrillo College, where he earned all-league honors.
Erin Ness
Erin Ness is in her Fifth year as the UCSC Slug Women's Head Tennis Coach and has led the team to consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. 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.
Bryce Parmelly
Bryce Parmelly is entering his 10th season affiliated with the UCSC Men’s Tennis program. He 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.
Program Info
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. We are also offering one week of Day (8:30am-4:00pm) and Half Day (8:30am-11:30am) camp from July 2-6.
All meals are included for Overnight campers. Lunch and dinner are included for Extended Day Campers. Lunch is inlcuded 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 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 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.
Camp Dates, Programs and Directors:
June 24-29 (Plus National Training Camp) - Directed by Bob Hansen, Ben Belletto, Erin Ness & Bryce Parmelly
July 2-6 (Day Camp Only – Mon-Fri) (Plus High School) - Directed by Erin Ness & Bryce Parmelly
July 8-13 (Plus High School & National Training Camp) - Directed by Ben Belletto, Erin Ness & Bryce Parmelly
July 15-20 (Plus High School & National Training Camp) - Directed by Ben Belletto, Erin Ness & Bryce Parmelly
July 22-27 (Plus High School & National Training Camp) - Directed by Bob Hansen, Erin Ness & Bryce Parmelly
July 29-August 3 (Plus High School & National Training Camp) - Directed by Bob Hansen, Erin Ness & Bryce Parmelly
August 5-10 (High School Only) - Directed by Bob Hansen, Erin Ness & Bryce Parmelly
Dartfish video analysis will be used during the camp to analyze and improve your strokes. 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). You will receive a printout showing key positions with corrective comments. After camp, these Dartfish interactive analyses are available for purchase. For $19.95, 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: one month 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.
NOTE: Regardless of whether you purchase the post-camp package, all campers will be filmed at camp, see their mediabook, and go home with a printout.
Check-in / Check-out Times:
Check-in: All campers Sunday between 12:30-2:30pm at the dorms (All Day Campers will depart that evening after dinner and evening activities at 9pm.)
*Please note: Check in for July 2-6 session is Monday, July 2nd at 8:00am at the tennis courts
Graduation: 4:30pm at the dorms (parents invited to attend!)
Check-out: Immediately following graduation at 5:15pm on the last day of the session.
Dorms
Campers live on-campus in nearby dorms and the courts and dining faciltities are an easy walk. Campers stay 2 per room and are assigned by age and roommate requests.
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 and 2&3. 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 $150 for each weekend stayover. 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.
Parent of Camper
I Love Camp!
My son loved this camp – a great mix of tennis and social activities!
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.