Gary Horvath

Certifications and Education

WCTA baseline certification

USPTA – tennis and platform tennis

USA Volleyball – CAP I

Degrees from University of Colorado, Oregon State University, and Fort Lewis College

Overview

Horvath has been fortunate to coach all levels of tennis and platform tennis – from entry level programs to men’s and women’s college tennis. The most unique experience was teaching in a traveling rural recreation program designed to introduce tennis to towns in Colorado with population less than 5,000 residents.

He has been active in the leadership of the USPTA, USTA, American Platform Tennis Association, and was the driving force behind the formation of the USA Professional Platform Tennis Association (PPTA), the certification and education program for the sport. In addition, Horvath has attended numerous regional and national USPTA conferences. He is also a member of the Wilson Advisory Staff and has published numerous articles for various tennis and platform tennis publications.

Horvath played college tennis at Fort Lewis College and club volleyball at Oregon State University. In addition, he has played in numerous platform tennis national championships and President Cup competitions.

Highlights Related to Coaching Women

Horvath has had numerous highlights coaching women and girls. At the top of the list has been serving as the primary coach for his two daughters and watching them play competitive matches. On a similar note, he had the privilege of being the private coach for two high school girls, from a small town in northern New Mexico, who met in the finals of the state championships. Along those same lines he was the private coach for a young Colorado girl who left the state to play professionally.

One of the more rewarding activities was to chaperone two juniors to UCLA to play in a NJTL playoff, where they played and met Jack Kramer, Donald Dell, and Arthur Ashe. The event was refreshing because of the high level of sportsmanship and camaraderie displayed by the young athletes. The most fascinating activity was hosting a regional USPTA conference and having dinner with Gladys Heldman and her husband. Many of her contributions to tennis, particularly women’s tennis, changed the landscape of the sport drastically. Her work should not be forgotten.

Looking Ahead

There is a lot that can be done to make the American tennis industry stronger and increase sustained participation. More can be done to encourage a greater number of women to play a major role in the industry – on and off the court. In addition, there is a need to strengthen the quality of coaching in high school, recreation, and entry level programs for both girls and boys. Hopefully, the WTCA can take a leadership role in bringing about about change in these areas.