Adamson recently named Coach of the Year
At a glance, the Pacific Beach Tennis Club can seem like just another no-frills tennis facility. Yet such an impression belies what exists — and exciting changes are in store for the near future. For starters, Steve Adamson, the club’s tennis director, was honored earlier this year with perhaps the most coveted award for teaching professionals in San Diego. He was named Coach of the Year, an honor awarded annually by the San Diego District Tennis Association. “I have been very fortunate in my tennis career,” said Adamson. “I had a full scholarship to San Diego State University and then, after finishing there, I played on the professional tour for three years before returning to San Diego to begin teaching.” Even though many teaching professionals who are eligible for the award work at more glamorous clubs — with bigger budgets and resources — Adamson has used his eight years as tennis director at the club to give back to the community. This factor undoubtedly played a role in his recognition this year. “I am trying to get as many kids as possible interested in tennis,” he said. “I volunteer to help coach the boys’ tennis team at Mission Bay High School and teach PE tennis classes at the school.” It so happens, junior tennis also plays a key role in the success of the club. He created the Steve Adamson Tennis Academy, which currently serves more than 50 youngsters from age three up to nationally ranked junior players. “Elite junior players in San Diego do not only come from traditionally tennis-rich areas like La Jolla,” Adamson said. “Myself and the other coaches (Simon Shen, head professional; Tom Svajda, tennis professional) work with some of the best junior players in Southern California.” Tennis-playing opportunities are not limited to just juniors, however. Adults can participate in a wide range of clinics from mornings to evenings. The clinics encompass all different levels of play and experience. For those who prefer practicing with the same gender, those such clinics are available too. With high-quality staff and programming, what else is needed? The club will host the USTA Powell Blankenship Junior Open from June 4 to June 12, drawing between 200-300 junior players. However, it is after the tournament that is the key time frame, Adamson said. “We are remodeling the facility the day after the junior tournament concludes,” he said. “Actually, there has already been work done, but overall it involves landscaping, concrete removal, resurfacing of tennis courts, pro shop renovation and so forth. Court No. 1 becomes a stadium court with seating.” The project is expected to take four to six weeks. But to be on the safe side, Adamson has moved the previously scheduled second annual Family Day from May 28 until Sept. 17 as a grand reopening of sorts, so the public can experience all the improvements. Tennis programs will continue during the remodeling, said Adamson. He said the impending improvements are just one more reason to support Pacific Beach-area businesses. “I have lived in PB for 11 years,” he said. “Whenever possible, I try to support all the local restaurants when going out to eat. My hope is when people are thinking about tennis, whether they are experienced players or beginners, the Pacific Beach Tennis Club will be their choice.” Located adjacent to the Mission Bay Golf Course, the club currently has eight lighted courts, a small clubhouse that includes a dressing room, a pro shop and stringing services. Originally founded in 1961, the club has nonprofit IRS status and all funds received are used for supervision, maintenance, tennis activities and capital improvement expenditures. It is governed by a seven-member board of directors. For more information, visit www.pbtennis.com