Get to Know Mike Johns

Q&A with Our Director, Mike Johns

Director of Tennis at the Farm Neck Golf Club

Do you have any nicknames?

Mikey

Do you have any unusual talents or absurd things that you love?

I can beat most people in ping pong with my cell phone as a paddle

If you can eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Fruit

What is the latest show, series, podcast or book that you binged on?

Homeland

What is the one or more things that you take with you or do every day before you greet the team at practice? This can be something tangible or non-tangible.

Lesson plan with theme

What purchase of $100 or less has positively influenced your life in the past 6 months or recent memory?

Hudl Technique App

Do you have a quote, phrase or motto that you use on a daily basis or during tough times? or maybe something you think of often or live your life by.

Golden Rule

What advice would you give a smart, driven 14 year old athlete about to enter high school and what advice should they ignore on the other hand?

Anything can be achieved with hard work, dedication and surrounding yourself with positive role models. I would suggest avoiding any and all advice that includes “short-cuts”

In the last 5 years, do you have a specific season, match, or tournament that changed your life? What advice or realizations, do you have for people in the coaching field who are trying to achieve their team’s potential?

I recently ran a large tournament hosting teams from all over the country. Weather was a factor so we had lots of down-time. I got to spend time with players and coaches -more than I would have had the weather cooperated. Observing coaches and captains (off-court) really reminded me of how critical these relationships are no matter the setting. While no two coaches had the same approach, those with a common goal of putting forth their best effort and winning or losing as a team (in my opinion) were working best to achieve their teams potential.

Is there a moment from your youth that set you up for career in coaching?

My high school coach made such a positive impact on me both on and off the court

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