Q&A with Tesoro HS tennis coach Patrick Harnett
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. — We recently caught up with Tesoro High School’s tennis coach Patrick Harnett to get the scoop on what’s happening on the courts. Head coach of both the Boys and Girls Tennis Teams, Coach Harnett has been coaching high school tennis for nearly 30 years. He was also named OC Register Girls Tennis High School Coach of the Year for 2021. In addition to coaching, he has taught AP US History at Tesoro since 2003. Here’s what he had to say:
Please tell us a little more about the role tennis has played in your life.
Patrick Harnett: I played tennis in high school at Mater Dei and college tennis at the University of Virginia. I have worked as a private tennis instructor at the Woodbridge Tennis Center, the Vic Braden Tennis College, and the City of Mission Viejo. Additionally, I’ve coached high school tennis on and off since 1993.
Can you describe a memorable recent “win?”
Harnett: Our Girls Tennis team recently won the CIF Division 3 Championship, our program’s first CIF Championship! And we played our best tennis at the end of the season, a very satisfying coaching experience.
How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?
Harnett: A disappointing loss offers an opportunity for improvement. And with the right amount of reflection and positive action, it provides a chance to play another day as a better player and team.
What coaching challenges have you faced?
Harnett: Last spring, I coached both the Girls and Boys teams during the same season due to COVID. I managed to stay (somewhat!) sane. Thanks to my wife, Colleen, who teaches English at Tesoro, for her unwavering support.
What is your coaching philosophy?
Harnett: Stay focused on the present moment.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Harnett: Tesoro offers a very competitive, honorable tennis program that embraces the USTA High School Program’s “no-cut” philosophy. We have over 90 students that play on our tennis teams. We have been very fortunate to have people who are skilled, knowledgeable tennis players help coach our players. Special thanks to Brian Knebel, Osvaldo Cruz, Jeannette Christensen, Sarah Schmitt, and Mark Mooney!
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