Get to know Campbell Hall youth tennis coach Melissa Detwiler

STUDIO CITY, Calif. — When I moved to Los Angeles in 1992, I began to teach full-time and played a key role in building and designing the 2M Burbank Tennis Center. My life has transcended playing the game itself, with projects that have brought new people—especially kids—onto the court. I have been coaching for 30 years, with 11 of those years (and counting) at Campbell Hall Episcopal School Middle School as its Tennis Coach as well as director of the school’s Elementary After-School Tennis program. I am also building a feeder program that encourages kids to start playing in kindergarten and stick with it all the way through to our middle and high school teams.

I began playing tennis at age 7 in Myrtle Beach, SC. When I moved to Florida in my early teens when I landed a full scholarship to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy at age 11 and again at 14. I played the “Satellite” circuit before playing #6 singles and #1 doubles at Division 1 Clemson University at 17. I then transferred to Boston University on a full scholarship to play #1 and to finish out my college career. I am proud to pass along the breadth and depth of my experience to Campbell Hall’s young athletes.

I believe that you have to show up and put in the work not only to play your best game but to also win at life itself…and to be successful you have to be consistent. You must also find the fun and joy in what you are doing, so the “work” doesn’t actually feel like “work.” Bonding as a team is important as well. While tennis is a very individual sport when we are playing, it is for the Campbell Hall community first, then the team, and then each individual.

My niche is working with the little ones. Seeing them develop their skills, confidence, and enthusiasm is rewarding. My middle school teams have won their leagues more than once, and I have had many who have won the individual tournament against all the schools in our division. However, win or lose, I encourage my players to give 100 percent no matter the outcome. While not every child will be competitive, it is my responsibility to bring out their strengths and downplay their weaknesses. You have to be able to adapt to all personalities.

Beyond Campbell Hall, I hope to inspire kids around the world with “The Adventures of Henry the Sports Bug” book series (HenrytheSportsBug.com). Henry’s mission is to encourage kids ages 3-7 to be healthy, active, and smart. In addition to the eight books in the series, I am working on a cartoon and bringing my “Henry the Sports Bug” sports program into elementary schools across the country for K-3rd grades. My nonprofit side of the books would help address financing schools in need with their athletic programs. Starting kids early in sports and activities lend to more confident, healthy, and smart adults.

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