Our spotlight series continues, this time with one of our most experienced pros, Jon Bongiovanni!! He has been a pro since 2002 and works with kids and adults ranging in ages of 3 to 83. He is our resident "guru" of quickstart tennis, the new format the USTA is implementing to get kids age 4-10 interested in tennis quickly through fun games, coordination and simple play. A graduate of P.K. Yonge High School, he currently coaches his alma mater and has captured back to back district titles with the girls team and was the 2009 Gainesville Sun's Coach of the Year on the girls side as well. He stops in after some lessons to talk with us here at the Gazette.....
Gazette: Jon, thanks for taking the time out of your busy day to talk to us!
JB: No problem, anything for my adoring fans (small chuckle)
Gazette: So, first things first... When do you start playing tennis?
JB: I started playing tennis when I was 5, but I really took it to another level trying out for the tennis team at P.K. Yonge. I tried out for the boys varsity team and built a strong bond with the high school coach there. He taught me how to really play and was a strong influence on me becoming a skillful teacher.
Gazette: That's pretty awesome! A good story to tell everyone. Who is your tennis idol and why?
JB: Roger Federer is my tennis idol. He is the definition of champion and he is a total class act. I totally enjoy his calm demeanor and I try to convey that message with my students of remaining calm during matches no matter what the situation .
Gazette: Can't argue with a guy who has 15 grand slams! So, when you get down in a match, what do you do to get yourself back on track?
JB: When I get down in a match I try to remain calm and zen-like. I usually try to bring myself from the darkest hole by thinking of a positive memory on or off the court.
Gazette: Any way you can tell us of an off the court positive memory??
JB: I could, but then I'd have to kill you. (laughs)
Gazette: We wouldn't want that! Now, back to you and your fans....What's your favorite music?
JB: I like all types of music except country music.
Gazette: No Jason Aldean or Tim McGraw?
JB: WHO?????
Gazette: Nevermind (smiling). What are you best and worst tennis experiences?
JB: Becoming P.K. Yonge's varsity coach and winning multiple district titles that I couldn't win as a player in high school. Secondly, being recognized as the best high school coach according to the Gainesville Sun last year. My worst is regretting not playing college tennis when I had some opportunities to do so.
Gazette: What makes tennis fun for you?
JB: I enjoy seeing my students succeed and work hard.
Gazette: If you weren't coaching tennis, what would you be doing??
JB: If I weren't teaching tennis I would like to succeed in the male modeling industry.
Gazette: I can see that.
JB: Of course.
Gazette: Last question but a difficult one...As a high school coach, what is the easiest and most difficult part of the job?
JB: The most difficult part of working as a high school coach is juggling what the parent and child's individual goals are and balancing it within the team concept. Tennis is more of an individual sport, so it's tough to keep the "team" concept be as important as the individual's goals. The easiest part is coaching the kids on the team. I try to treat them as adults. I want them to work hard and respect each other.
Gazette: Wow! Great philosophy to have. Thanks so much Jon for all of your answers!
JB: You are so welcome.
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