My primary goal in coaching is to provide the kind of environment where players grow as people and learn life skills, not just sport skills. Grinnell College offers coaches a wonderful opportunity to have a positive influence on the lives of an outstanding group of individuals. To me, a positive influence means enhancing self-concept and building character, which includes an array of positive traits that I hope every Grinnell tennis player takes into the world upon graduation. I think influencing people in a positive way takes an open heart and mind, a willingness to listen and learn, and the courage to be the person you want to be. Certainly I relish the teaching I am able to do and the challenge of competition, but ultimately it's the kind of role model I provide and the time and effort I spend that makes a difference. I hope playing tennis for the Grinnell Women's Tennis Team provides an opportunity for student-athletes to explore their potential as tennis players and as members of a team, all this within the context of a very demanding academic environment. Experience in this endeavor helps prepare students to live productively and successfully in a complex and demanding world, a world that could always use a few more sound performers and team players.