Game, set, match: Columbia Basin Racquet Club is excited to welcome Jana Nejedly as a Tennis Pro at CBRC. Check out this blog for a behind the scenes Q&A with Jana and hear about her teaching insight.
Q&A with Jana Nejedly
Q: What is your position at CBRC and when did you start?
A: I am a tennis pro and I started February 1st, 2019.
Q: How did your journey with tennis begin?
A: I started playing at around 7 years of age. It was one of a few sports I played as a kid…my parents signed me up for group lessons at the local community center and I started competing not long after that. I loved competing and soon started travelling regionally and nationally.
Q: Can you briefly share about your professional background?
A: I played professionally for about 10 years and was ranked as high as 64 in the world. I played in the Australian, French, and US Opens as well as Wimbledon. I also represented Canada in the 1996 Olympics and Fed Cup Competition.
Q: What was your first impression of CBRC?
A: The staff and members are all very friendly and welcoming and I love how there is something for everyone…very family friendly. The tennis scene has a great balance of social, fun, and competition and I hope to continue that trend.
Q: What are you excited about/looking forward to at CBRC?
A: I can’t wait to get to know everyone, not just the members but other staff as well. I am also looking forward to creating some fun, high energy classes for all levels that will get more players out playing. Overall, I’m just looking forward to being around more and helping in any way I can.
Developing Relationships to Build Tennis Connections
As a tennis pro, Jana will be sharing her expertise with CBRC members, especially through teaching. She will be teaching lessons and classes to all ages and abilities.
I asked Jana how developing relationships through lessons connects people to the sport of tennis. Jana shares that “I believe that as a pro, you are central in helping connect players to the sport. Being encouraging and positive is crucial…as well as getting to know your students on a more personal level. You can then connect them with others and it really builds from there.”
Jana isn’t new to teaching. She has taught tennis for many years and shares that “I enjoy meeting and getting to know everyone that walks on my court. It’s the best feeling when my students get excited about their overall improvement or about being able to do something they couldn’t do before.”
As a tip for beginners, she shares that “the more you can get out there between classes or lessons, with a friend or ball machine, the faster your timing and coordination will improve.”
Thank you so much for sharing Jana, and welcome to the CBRC family! For more information on tennis, check out our tennis page for kid’s tennis, adult group lessons, events, court reservations, and more.