But I feel I'm doing my players a disservice if they don't learn while they're here. I'm always eager to see players leave Choate with more of a game than they had when they arrived. Whether it's a reliable backspin backhand or a dependable kick serve or confidence at the net or an understanding of the nuances of doubles, I want my players to have tools they can use wherever their tennis will take them, be it intercollegiate play or in the Over 70s championship at their country club many years from now. I try to schedule the toughest opponents I can find for the Choate team so our players are exposed to the best competition around. I believe that in most cases a team that finishes a season undefeated was underscheduled.
Any squad can have a perfect season with a handpicked schedule.
But we don't duck anybody at Choate. I think our kids become tougher competitors because of that. And our great seasons are more meaningful. I've also noticed that a tough schedule attracts good players to the school, too. Finally, at the heart of this program is a set of values I hope to pass along to my charges.