Rodney Harmon
Summary
Certified instructor, administrator, and sports leader with over 30 years of national and international experience in recreational, collegiate, and high-performance tennis.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Women's Tennis Coach
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
01.2012 - Current
- Oversaw all facets of tennis operation including recruitment, training, player development, leadership, team building, motivation and academic excellence
- Recruited best and brightest student-athletes within the rigorous NCAA standards, prepared teams for competition, designed and executed training and study schedules
- Supervised the operations of the tennis center and liaised with the Athletic Department to ensure conformity with all rules and regulations
Director of Tennis
DEERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
01.2010 - 06.2012
- Assigned work to staff, set schedules, and motivated strong performance in key areas.
- Trained and supervised staff to consistently meet performance goals and customer service standards.
- Organized and oversaw special events such as birthday parties, tournaments and team-building activities.
- Partnered across departments to run smooth, professional events and activities.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to increase customer engagement and drive revenue.
- Mentored junior coaches for professional growth, providing constructive feedback and fostering a positive work environment.
- Organized successful local and regional tournaments, managing all aspects from planning to execution.
- Managed budget and resources efficiently, ensuring the tennis program remained financially stable while providing a high-quality experience for all participants.
Director of Men's Tennis
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Directed the High - Performance Men Tennis Program, entrusted with developing future US champions
- Coordinated the work of coaches across the country and spearheaded a campaign to find and attract minority and economically disadvantaged players to the sport
- Created pathways to success for players at the junior, collegiate and professional levels
- Oversaw a budget of over $2M and managed 24 coaches at 6 training facilities strategically opened around the country
- Ran coaching clinics and training seminars and conducted community outreach initiatives to build the USTA brand and to get more players into the game
- Developed partnerships with players' personal coaches, tennis academy staff, sports management agencies and parents to devise unique strategies to bring out the full potential and elevate each player's game
- Developed a practical approach to problem solving and put in place the organization required to ensure that deadlines, budgets and objectives were achieved
Director of Multicultural Participation
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
01.1997 - 01.2002
- In an era when multiculturalism took on strategic relevance in the country, I was tasked with running a Multicultural Development Department to devise a strategic plan to recognize the richness of diversity and to bring more minority players into the game
- Scouted, evaluated and coached over 4,000 players and conducted seminars, webinars, workshop and television teaching programs that expanded the reach of the USTA to an even wider audience
Head Coach
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Designed specific training programs to boost individual achievements.
- Promoted academic success among student-athletes with study halls, tutoring services, and progress monitoring systems.
- Construct and monitor a budget of approximately $100,000 for the Men's Tennis Program
- Supervise the maintenance and day to day operations of the Neil Schiff Tennis Center
National Coach
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
01.1990 - 01.1995
- Worked as a member of the National Coaching Staff to evaluate and coach a number of top prospects in both the men's and women's programs
- Organized and managed the USTA Summer Collegiate Teams for both men and women in terms of coaching support, wildcard selection and training opportunities
Coordinator of Clinician Services
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
01.1988 - 01.1990
- Organized and managed a nationwide Clinician's Bureau which conducted coaching training workshops in all 50 states
- Worked very closely with all 17 USTA Sections to plan, schedule and conduct events
- Acted as the Program Director for the USTA National Tennis Teachers Conference
Education
Bachelor's degree - Broadcast and Film
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas01.1983
Skills
- Fundraising
- Player development
- Motivational leadership style
- Conflict resolution
- Staff development
- Competition preparation
- Team-building activities
- Budget Management
- Tournament procedures
Accomplishments
- Serving Up the Cure (Cancer Research)
- Firehouse Subs Annual Men's Doubles Tournament (Tribute to American Heroes which highlights military support and 1st responders)
Developed coaching and administrative skills through an over seventeen year career with the USTA in Player Development and Recreational Tennis.
Utilized fundraising skills as the Director of Tennis at Deerwood Country Club to secure sponsorships for two charity events -
AFFLIATIONS
- Professional Tennis Registry
- RSPA
- Professional Tennis Registry, 2009 - 2017
- President, Professional Tennis Registry, 2017/2018
- PTR Pro of the Year, 1988/1984
- International Tennis Hall of Fame Educational Merit Award, 2009
Highlights
- Head Coach, 2008 Olympics, US Men's team (Mike & Bob Bryan), Bronze medal
- Head Men's Coach, World University Games, Buffalo, New York, 1993
- Big East Coach of the Year, 1996/1997, ACC Coach of the Year, 2016/2017
- US Open Singles Quarterfinalist, 1982
- Top 60 ATP Singles Ranking
- Inductee into the ITA Collegiate Hall of Fame
- 2010, Three-time NCAA All American
- 1980 NCAA Doubles Champion
Certification
President - Professional Tennis Registry (2017/2018)
PTR Board (2009 - 2017/2023 - Present)
Member - RSPA
Timeline
Head Women's Tennis Coach
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
01.2012 - Current
Director of Tennis
DEERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
01.2010 - 06.2012
Director of Men's Tennis
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
01.2002 - 01.2008
Director of Multicultural Participation
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
01.1997 - 01.2002
Head Coach
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
01.1995 - 01.1997
National Coach
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
01.1990 - 01.1995
Coordinator of Clinician Services
UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION
01.1988 - 01.1990
Bachelor's degree - Broadcast and Film
Southern Methodist University
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