April 23, 2015

Getting to Know: Rita Gladstone, Director of Nike Tennis Camps at Rollins College

Rita Gladstone is a USPTA certified professional, former #1 player at the University of South Carolina and competed professionally on the WTA Tour. The Gladstones are the 2008 recipent of USTA Florida "Family of the Year" award. Andy and Rita have over twenty years experience developing junior players and are excited to return to Rollins College for their 16th year with Nike Tennis Camps!  

GETTING TO KNOW.....
Rita Gladstone - Director of Nike Tennis Camps at Rollins College

How long have you been coaching college tennis and Nike Tennis Camps?
2015 will be our 16th year at Rollins!

Favorite Camp Drill?
Camper/Coach Knockout.  This is a 16 year tradition at the Nike Camp at Rollins and the game dates back to when I worked as a coach at a Nike Camp at the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey in 1985.  Thursday afternoon of every week the coaches compete against all the campers in a game of knockout - it's tag team singles and when error is made, a camper or coach is eliminated.  In years past it's often come down to one coach remaining against multiple campers - past coaches have commented they find the annual camper/coach knockout more pressure than some college matches! 

Why did you start coaching tennis?
The opportunity to for me to stay personally involved in tennis was the original motivation.  Over the years seeing how tennis and competition can enhance juniors as athletes and people inspires me.

Favorite evening activity at camp?
Though I often need to cover my ears, Nike Karaoke Night is still a favori​te

Go-To Nike Gear?
​The shoes​!

If you could borrow one stroke from any pro tennis player….
Hands down​, Roger Federer's backhand - it's pure beauty!

For more information on the camps this summer at Rollins, check out https://www.ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/rollins-college-nike-tennis-camp/