Quick Takeaways

• High school coaches are the backbone of Harlingen tennis. They provide opportunities to kids who might never otherwise step onto a court.

• Private coaches at the H-E-B Tennis Center complement—not compete with—school coaches. Together, they can build a stronger, more unified tennis community.

• Open communication is key. Players and parents benefit when coaches respect each other’s roles and collaborate on goals.

• Our community thrives when everyone works together. From UIL tournaments at Pendleton Park to clinics at the H-E-B Tennis Center, every effort makes tennis more accessible and enjoyable in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Problem: Mixed Signals for Players and Parents

For many families, high school tennis is a milestone — often the first time a child experiences structured practices, team spirit, and the excitement of representing their school. In our area, that’s usually where tennis begins. Most kids first pick up the game in junior high or high school and only ever hear one voice shaping how they play: their school coach.

But some players have a different path. A few may have started private lessons when they were younger, while others, once in high school and eager to improve, seek extra one-on-one help from a reputable coach. That’s where things can get complicated. Two sets of coaching ideas enter the picture, and they don’t always match. Differences in technique, strategy, and overall philosophy can quickly lead to friction.

Sometimes it goes further than just differences. Pride and ego can show up. Coaches — both private and school — may feel protective of their methods and expect loyalty. The message becomes: stick with me, I know what’s best. When that happens, the pressure on families grows. Players and parents may hear one coach dismiss the other, sometimes harshly — saying the other doesn’t know what they’re doing, warning that their advice could cause injury, or undermining their credibility altogether. It’s an ugly dynamic, but it happens more often than most want to admit.

Caught in the middle are kids who just want to grow, get better, and be good teammates. Instead, they’re left navigating adult pride and competing philosophies. What should be an exciting, confidence-building experience can quickly turn uncomfortable, political, and discouraging.

Respect Where It’s Due: Honoring High School Coaches

Let’s pause here. Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to say something clearly: our high school coaches deserve immense respect.

In Harlingen and across the Valley, these men and women are often juggling full-time teaching jobs, family responsibilities, and other school duties. Yet they still dedicate countless hours to the court—coordinating practices, organizing bus drives to away matches, dealing with uniforms, and being present for their players as mentors and role models.

They don’t do it for fame or money. They do it because they love the sport, and because they believe in the potential of their students. Many of today’s adult players first fell in love with tennis because of a high school coach who encouraged them, cheered them on, and gave them a sense of belonging.

Without these coaches, Harlingen’s proud tennis tradition wouldn’t exist.

The Solution: Building Bridges Instead of Walls

So how do we solve the tension between school coaching and private instruction? By shifting the mindset from competition to collaboration.

1. Open Dialogue

Parents and players should be encouraged to communicate openly with both their high school and private coaches. When everyone is transparent about goals, priorities, and challenges, it becomes easier to align messages instead of sending kids conflicting signals.

2. Mutual Respect

Private coaches at the H-E-B Tennis Center are not here to replace or undermine school coaches. Instead, we view our role as complementary. School coaches provide structure and community spirit; private coaches can help refine specific techniques that strengthen performance. Together, the two create a complete player.

3. Shared Success

The real win isn’t whether one coaching approach “works better.” The real win is when kids fall in love with tennis, gain confidence, and keep playing into adulthood. That’s the shared goal, and keeping it front and center makes collaboration possible.

A Community-First Perspective

When you step back, it’s clear that high school tennis and private coaching aren’t opposites—they’re part of the same ecosystem.

• High school programs introduce the game to large groups of kids, create school pride, and build teamwork.

• Private programs offer personalized attention, extra court time, and specific goal-setting.

• Parents and families provide encouragement, support, and transportation.

• Facilities like the H-E-B Tennis Center provide the space, tournaments, and community activities that connect it all.

When all of these groups work in unison, the entire Harlingen tennis community grows stronger.

The Proud Tradition of Harlingen Tennis

Tennis in Harlingen has always been about more than wins and losses. It’s about legacy. From UIL tournaments at Pendleton Park to the annual Bird Bowl that pits the city's two high school teams against one another, the sport has been woven into the city’s identity for decades.

Generations of players can trace their first love of the game back to a high school coach. Maybe it was the one who stayed late to hit extra serves. Or the one who encouraged a nervous freshman to step into the lineup. Or the one who reminded their players that tennis isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong skill.

The H-E-B Tennis Center is proud to carry that tradition forward. By hosting high school tournaments, providing space for community matches, and offering year-round clinics, we’re making sure that this legacy continues for the next generation.

Practical Tips for Parents

Parents play a huge role in helping their kids navigate the world of tennis. Here are some ways to support your child when they’re receiving instruction from both school and private coaches:

• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to check in with both coaches. A quick conversation can prevent misunderstandings.

• Encourage Respect: Teach your child to listen and learn from every coach they encounter. Different perspectives can be valuable.

• Focus on the Big Picture: Remind your child that the goal isn’t just winning matches—it’s becoming a stronger, more confident person.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s improving their backhand or cheering for their teammates, every step forward matters.

A Legacy of Respect — Coaches Standing Shoulder to Shoulder

At the H-E-B Tennis Center, we know firsthand how tough the job of a high school tennis coach really is. Our pros know the high school tennis world because they’ve lived it. They played on their high school tennis teams, and some even went on to coach at the high school level before moving into private instruction. They’ve felt what it’s like to manage large teams with wildly different skill levels — from brand-new players just learning how to hold a racket to experienced competitors chasing state rankings. They’ve dealt with bus schedules, long match days, worn-out equipment, and the countless unseen hours it takes to keep a program alive.

Because of that lived experience, our staff doesn’t just work alongside the coaches at Harlingen High and Harlingen South — we stand with them. We see them as equals, as brothers in the same mission: using tennis not only to raise strong competitors but to shape better citizens and confident young adults.

This deep, shared history is why the relationship between the high school coaching staffs and the pros at the H-E-B Tennis Center is so open and respectful. It’s why conversations flow easily, why support goes both ways, and why collaboration comes naturally. It’s decades of trust built by people who’ve lived the same grind and still show up every day for the kids and the community.

That unity — that sense of fighting the same fight — is part of Harlingen tennis’s “secret sauce.” It’s what turns a good program into a great one and makes our city a place where young players feel supported from their very first serve to their last high school match and beyond.

Looking Ahead: Building a Stronger Tennis Community

As Harlingen continues to grow, so will the opportunities for young athletes. That’s why now is the perfect time to set the tone: high school and private coaching should work hand-in-hand.

The H-E-B Tennis Center is committed to:

• Hosting UIL tournaments and providing a professional space for high school teams.

• Offering clinics and camps that give players extra tools to succeed.

• Encouraging respect and communication between all coaches, parents, and players.

• Highlighting the proud tradition of Harlingen tennis and celebrating those who keep it alive.

• Prioritizing HCISD tennis — our yearly calendar is built around HCISD tournaments so local players can compete at home for free, and every HCISD student that's a member of a junior high or high school tennis team gets a free membership to the H-E-B Tennis Center.

By doing this, we can ensure that the next generation of players isn’t caught between competing voices. Instead, they’ll be surrounded by a supportive community working together.

Conclusion: Respect, Communication, Growth

Tennis in Harlingen is bigger than any one coach, team, or facility. It’s a community effort built on decades of dedication. High school coaches deserve our deepest respect for their tireless commitment. Private coaches play a vital role in helping players refine their skills. And parents are the glue that holds it all together.

When we replace competition with communication and respect, we create something stronger: a tennis community that truly serves its kids.

At the H-E-B Tennis Center, that’s our vision. And we’re proud to stand alongside Harlingen’s high school coaches in making it a reality.