Welcome

Head Coach Kelly Simons

Phone: 408.864.8410
Office:
E-mail: kellysimonsdeanza@comcast.net

Assistant Coach: Jake Vu 650.209.9668

Coach Kelly Simons started her tennis career as a public court player in her home town of San Mateo, CA, where she rose through juniors competition to be named most improved player for girls 18 and under for the NCTA. As the number one singles player at Division 1 San Jose State University, Simons played against top players such as Stanford's Patty Fendick and was ranked in the top 10 singles and top 3 doubles at the open level.

As a junior player, Coach Simons worked on developing coaching expertise, working as a tennis instructor at the age of 16. That experience paved the way for a B.A. in Human Performance at San Jose State University (1988) and an M.A. in Physical Education, Recreation and Administration at St. Mary's University (1991). Coach Simons has taught and coached tennis at the college level since 1987, and has been an instructor and coach at De Anza College since 1988.

Committed to continuously improving her own coaching expertise, Coach Simons became a U.S.P.T.A. certified tennis professional in 2001. She has been selected by the U.S.T.A. to coach the girls' 12 Zonals national tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah this summer.

Coach Simons's teaching and coaching philosophy is simple: "I think tennis is a sport for everyone, not for an elite few. My goal is to help players at all levels and life stages improve their game so that they develop greater confidence and enthusiasm. For De Anza students in general and the guys on the men's tennis team, I see tennis as a sport that helps to build physical stamina, mental agility, and a winning attitude that transfers to the academic classroom and to students' lives beyond college."

Building Competitive Excellence in Men's Tennis

As head coach of the Men's Tennis Team for the past two seasons, Coach Simons has focused on reinvigorating the team as De Anza completes construction of seven new courts. "The last two seasons have been a time of transition for the team," she says. "We've worked on developing an identity for the men's team, building basic match play skills, and preparing for the upcoming season where we can host matches on our new home courts."

Chad Sunderland and John Salvador played out their eligibility on the team for the past two seasons. "Chad and John worked hard on their game and made a great contribution to team, Coach Simons says. "This past season, both played admirably in the number 1 position."

Sophomores Thomas Truong, Aaron Levin, Michael Leopold, Tony Tang, and Naoya Kishida will return in the 2006 season. Coach Simons is excited about the opportunities for students to join in building a winning team in the new season. "Having the new home courts will make a big difference this year in terms of practice time and the ability to host home matches on our home turf," she explains. "But the guys who come out for the team will really make the difference with their own range of tennis experience and skills and most importantly their enthusiasm for the team and their desire to excel. A positive attitude on the team is really the key from my perspective. I'm looking forward to bringing on board new players who are committed to being contributing members of a dedicated, motivated team."

How can you join the De Anza Men's Tennis Team for the 2009 Season?

Academic Requirements: Players on the Men's Tennis Team must have full-time academic status (10 academic units and 2 units of the intercollegiate tennis course, a total of 12 quarter units during the competitive season). Freshman or first-time competitors do not have a unit requirement pre-season. Sophomores or students who wish to compete for a second season must have completed 36 academic units prior to competing in their second season. Our academic coordinator, Matt Trosper, can help you with more details in this area. Just call 408 864-8646.

Athletic Requirements: No previous competitive tennis experience is required to try out for a spot on the De Anza Men's Tennis Team. Students with enthusiasm for the sport, motivation to contribute in a team environment, and dedication to practice for match play are encouraged to try out. As important as tennis ability and the commitment to building a winning team is each player's determination to succeed as a student athlete, applying the discipline necessary to do well on and off the court. Players must maintain at least a 2.0 grade average, working to achieve their potential academically as well as athletically.