Today we’d like to introduce you to Kudzai Chiridza.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kudzai . So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My father first introduced me to tennis at age 5. After playing other sports through the years, at age 11 a coach at school recommended my dad get me lessons. From that day on my love for the game grew and I become one of the top juniors in Zimbabwe. After winning several local tournaments and representing Zimbabwe in regional junior International Tennis Federation (ITF) competition I earned an athletic scholarship to study Management Information Systems at Prairie View A&M University.
While at Prairie View I was part of a team that won the school’s first conference championship in 39 years and earned a bid into the NCAA national tournament. Over years I was named Freshman of the year (2004), Most Valuable Player (2007) and finished my college career earning 1st team All-Conference accolades in both singles and doubles. Post-graduation I spent a few years as a coach at several North Houston clubs before entering the corporate world in 2012. 2017 saw me make a return to the court and after 5 months as a Tennis Pro at Houston’s Northgate Country Club the opportunity to start my own tennis program came up and Next Level Tennis Academy was founded.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am in my fourth month of operation and there have been some ups and downs along the way. The road has been just what I expected. As with anything new you have to allow the general audience to get a feel for what you are about and what you bring to the table. With that being said, the challenge was always going to be “will people like my style of teaching?” “Will they come back, will they tell other tennis players, families in the area about their experiences?” If the answers to these questions are yes then we can only look forward to growth and with the smoother roads ahead.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Next Level Tennis Academy – what should we know?
Next Level Tennis Academy provides tennis instruction to people of all ages and skill levels. We provide a variety of adult tennis programs that bring out a number of players that compete in local tennis leagues and tournaments. These are typically themed to focus on a particular aspect of the game on a given day.
Junior tennis programs are offered from beginner to advanced levels. A lot of emphasis is placed on keeping a good player to coach ratio to ensure each student gets the attention they need to foster good development in their game.
We are most proud of providing the best instruction possible in a way that keeps all participants engaged and having a good time while bettering themselves. The thing that sets us apart is our belief that every person young or old is capable of taking their game to the next level, whatever that may be for them. This brings a strong sense of purpose in what we do.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been several people that have helped in getting to were we are today.
My wife has always been a great teammate/supporter of mine and when the opportunity to start Next Level Tennis academy came about she knew how much it meant to me and simply asked “what are you waiting for?”
My father who I watched work a high-level management job by day and tirelessly by night on business ventures of his own. So as someone I looked up to a lot I learned a great deal from him and continue to this day.
My mentors in the tennis business David and Blessing Bvunzawabaya, who I have worked under and learned a lot from over the years. I cannot thank them enough for the time and invaluable experience they gave me.
Last but not least, my clients over the years who have been supportive and it is through these relationships that I came to learn of the opportunity that would lead to the academy finding a home at Lakewood Residents Club. As I always say there is no lesson or drill without them so a big thank you to all who have been a part of this journey thus far.
Pricing:
- 1 hour private lessons $60
- Semi private lessons (2 people) $30 each
- Drills (4-8 people) $20 each
Contact Info:
- Address: 15006 Lakewood Forest Drive
Houston, TX, 77070 - Website:www.nextleveltennisacademy.net
- Phone:8322572497
- Email:kudzai@nextleveltennisacademy.net
- Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nextleveltennisacademy/
- Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/nextleveltennisacademy
- Other:https://www.findtennislessons.com/coach/houston-tennis-coach-kudzai/
Image Credit:
Lilly Sweeney
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