Stewart Russell (James Creek Tennis Center)

• Hometown   East Northport, New York       Club/Facility you currently teach at?   James Creek Tennis Center (Universal Tennis Academy partner)       How did you get involved in teaching tennis?   Immediately upon graduation from Roanoke College I was the Head Men's Tennis Coach for 3 years       Diehard fan of what sports team?   Mets, Giants, Rangers & Knicks (New York true and true)       Best part of your game?   Serve & Return       Dream doubles match would be me and....   Roger Federer       When I'm not teaching tennis I'm.....   Housework, spending time with family and on occasion some golf       My favorite tennis memory is...   Playing with my wife at a US Open function with the legends of tennis.  Most recently (2019) coaching the Gold Medal winning team at the USTA National Spring Team Championships.       My favorite pro player is....   Roger Federer (male), Paula Badosa (female)       #1 reason why I enjoy teaching & coaching tennis   Really enjoy blending in my knowledge of competing with a TEAM in what is perceived mostly as an individual sport       What important tennis message do you want to promote?   I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to spend time with some extremely high-level players.  I see myself more as a "tutor" than a teacher.  I would like to see more coaches reinforce the skills students already have as opposed to "preaching" and almost dictating what they feel is right vs. wrong for a student's overall comprehensive development.  I take extreme pridein the college tennis  route and the success of the students I have worked with both academically and athletically.