Get to Know Your Western Tennis Pros
We’re celebrating National Tennis Month all month long with tennis-focused content to celebrate the sport we love! So far, we’ve shared expert tennis exercises from our personal trainers and taken a look back at the rich history of the game. This week, we're turning the spotlight on the people who bring the courts to life every day—our tennis instructors!
Whether you're new to the game or a regular on the courts, getting to know the pros who coach, motivate, and inspire you is a great way to get more connected to our tennis community. We asked our instructors a few fun and insightful questions so you can learn more about their backgrounds, coaching styles, and even their favorite pump-up song to listen to before a match. Read on to meet a few of the faces behind the forehands!
Jayson Memken
Western Tennis Director | Tennis Instructor for 20 years
Tell us about your history with tennis. How did you start, and what led you to teach?
I started playing tennis when I was 12 at a parks and rec program.
I played USTA tournaments growing up all through high school. I played college tennis at Carroll College in Waukesha.
I started teaching professionally at Highlander Elite in Brookfield in 2006. From the moment I started teaching, I enjoyed helping others achieve their goals on court.
What’s your favorite part about teaching tennis?
Seeing someone gain a new skill and be able to put it into match play.
What’s your favorite tip or piece of advice to give students?
Maintaining your emotions in a tennis match is one of the hardest things to conquer. Make sure your mountains match your valleys to maintain balance in your mind.
Do you have a favorite tennis memory?
Playing at the 5.0+ Nationals in 2017.
Which pro player, past or present, matches your play style the best?
Patrick Rafter. Big serve, close the net, and play quick points.
What’s your go-to pump-up song before a match?
Big Bootie Mix—any of them. They are all awesome.
Do you prefer singles or doubles? Why?
Doubles. It fits my play style the best.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I coach my son, Brayden’s, hockey team.
What’s your dream travel destination for a tennis vacation?
Wimbledon
What is one of your favorite hobbies unrelated to tennis?
Golf!
Jordan Verbauwhede
Tennis Instructor for 5 years
How did you start, and what led you to teach?
I started playing when I was 5. Competed in tournaments from the age of 10 on. Played tennis at Adrian College and Carthage College. Then I was an assistant coach at Illinois Tech before becoming a coach. I have always enjoyed being around tennis and competing. Continuing my passion as a career wasn’t always the plan, but it just worked out and stuck when moving between jobs in 2020.
What’s your favorite part about playing tennis?
Every point is always worth one, no matter how good or bad it goes for you. You cannot run out of time, so never count yourself out.
What is your favorite part about teaching tennis?
Watching the light click for players when working on a specific shot, tactic, or skill, whatever it may be, nothing beats the recognition when they finally understand.
What’s your favorite tip or piece of advice to give students?
Always try your best and keep an open mind, and you will see the improvements you want in your game.
What’s one thing you always try to teach your players beyond just tennis skills?
Nothing worth achieving is an easy task. Perseverance and determination are big traits for me.
Do you have a favorite tennis memory?
Playing at nationals for Carthage in college. Or recently competing in the father-son tournament and making the finals with an umpire chairing the match.
Which pro player, past or present, matches your play style the best?
Hubert Hurkacz
Do you prefer singles or doubles? Why?
Doubles it’s a match faster pace with more net play involved.
What’s your top tip for fitness training off the tennis court to enhance your game?
Endurance and other competitive sports. Anything with quick reactions or movements will help with tennis.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have an MBA.
What’s your dream travel destination for a tennis vacation?
It would be an amazing experience to play on one of the four Grand Slam courts. Maybe Wimbledon.
What is one of your favorite hobbies unrelated to tennis?
I enjoy any type of fishing.
Carolyn Stephens
Tennis Instructor for 27 years
How did you start, and what led you to teach?
My family is a tennis family. In the valley I grew up in, they basically made the tennis community what it was. And since I'm the youngest of seven, I wanted to be just like them! I grew up with a racquet in my hand, and then started competing when I was 11. My sister, the tennis director at our club, allowed me to shadow her teaching when I was 15 and have been teaching ever since. 27 years go fast!
What is your favorite part about playing tennis?
Since tennis is such a family pastime, it's always been fun. I love my family, so being able to play tennis with them was always the best. We'd have family tournaments each holiday and make a whole event out of it. Knowing that maybe I can pass that joy onto others is why I love to teach and give back.
Another aspect I love about tennis is playing with my kids. Watching them grow and compete in the sport is so fun...especially when we can truly hit hard together!
What is your favorite part about teaching tennis?
Seeing someone figure out a technique or a strategy and then having them be successful with it in play is so rewarding.
What is your favorite tip or piece of advice to give students?
Sports are hard, especially tennis, as it's such a mental game! But I think that's why it's so addictive. When we make that great shot, it reels us back in when just a moment ago we were ready to quit! I like to remind my students that tennis is a game of thirds. There are times when we’re neither awesome nor terrible, but at least we showed up to play. Some days we cannot get a rhythm going and just play terribly! And sometimes we will be on fire and can’t be stopped! The problem is, if we’re always like that, then we’re probably not competing in the right division and need tougher competition, which then brings more challenges. The key is to remember why we’re out on that court. We want to PLAY tennis. In my mind, playing anything should be fun. It helps me keep things in perspective.
Do you have a favorite tennis memory?
I have soooo many fond memories of tennis: Playing tennis on Christmas Eve after my brother and I shoveled the court, playing under the lights after a tournament ended just because none of us wanted to leave so we stayed out until after midnight, traveling with my mom all over the West to tournaments and staying in Super 8’s, being challenged both physically and mentally at a tennis camp in Ojai, CA, finding out I actually LOVE doubles after finding my perfect doubles partner in college, playing “tennis golf” with my kids when they were little, being able to hit big with my kids now.
Which pro player, past or present, matches your playing style best?
I enjoy watching tennis. Some of my favorites over the years have been Agassi, Roddick, Federer, and Alcaraz for the men and Graf, Navarro, Swiatek, Coco, and Fernandez. I honestly don’t think too much while enjoying watching, so not sure who I’d compare my own game to. I've been to a few professional tournaments and love the whole scene. While the grand slams are always one to impress, I like the smaller tournaments where I can watch up close. Dubai Open, Madrid Open, and Indian Wells are ones I've been able to enjoy. Maybe I should add Cincinnati, Miami, and some others!
What's your top tip for fitness training off the tennis court to enhance your game?
During my competitive seasons, I felt like I had so much time on the court. That cement was HARD! So I started cross-training by swimming laps. It was such a blessing! But I love weight lifting too, and was lucky enough to have strength coaches who gave me workouts to benefit my game.
What is one of your favorite hobbies unrelated to tennis?
While sports was such a big part of my life growing up I was also very into my music. I am a violinist and have been a part of some amazing orchestras. I’ve even soloed with a few! I got to see Europe and perform in many castles, churches, and beautiful gardens. Like tennis, I’ve enjoyed sharing it for over 25 years with others wanting to learn.
Since moving to Green Bay, I picked up a new hobby, creating Stained Glass Art. I'm not naturally a creative person, so being able to develop that talent is very rewarding for me.
I have loved my time at Western getting to know everyone, and look forward to many more years!
Nick Caramehas
Tennis Instructor for 20+ years
How did you start, and what led you to teach?
I started playing when I was four years old, and I've been involved in the sport for most of my life. Teaching offers the opportunity to share knowledge, inspire learning, and positively impact students' lives.
What is your favorite part about playing tennis?
I enjoy the combination of physical activity and mental engagement it provides.
What is your favorite part about teaching tennis?
Seeing my students progress/improve.
What is your favorite tip or piece of advice to give students?
Enjoy the sport and work hard.
Which pro player, past or present, matches your playing style best?
Carlos Moyà and Juan Carlos Ferrero
Do you prefer singles or doubles?
Singles. My success rests solely upon me.
What's your top tip for fitness training off the tennis court to enhance your game?
Cross-training. Sports like soccer and basketball. These sports involve explosive movements that translate to the tennis court, developing cardiovascular fitness, agility, strength, and coordination.
What is your dream destination for a tennis vacation?
Paris/Roland Garros
What is one of your favorite hobbies unrelated to tennis?
Reading
