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How we train at S.P.A.R.C.

At SPARC, our core philosophy defines our culture and spirit — but GRIT defines how we train. Every athlete in our program works towards achieving Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity. GRIT is our fuel, the training creed that drives relentless effort and measurable progress every time we step on the court.

GRIT--The Fuel!

Growth. Resilience. Integrity. Tenacity

GROWTHAt SPARC, growth is earned through accountability and challenge. Players are not placed based on favoritism or politics—advancement is based on performance, effort, and improvement. We teach athletes to embrace discomfort, confront weaknesses, and develop real skills that translate to match play. Progress here is intentional, measurable, and expected.

 

RESILIENCE
When setbacks hit, true athletes answer with courage. In tennis and in life, resilience is refusing to be broken—standing tall after every fall and finding fuel in every defeat. Our athletes learn to compete through pressure, adjust under adversity, and come back stronger after every loss. We don’t avoid tough moments—we train for them. Our players endure, adapt, and rise, regardless of outcome.

INTEGRITY
Reputation is earned, not given. We compete with honor, never looking for shortcuts. Integrity is doing the right thing no matter the difficulty or importance of the moment.  It's being truthful in our actions, and being committed to our core principles—because who we are and what we represent matters more than the final score.

TENACITY

Tenacity is your engine at rock bottom. When exhaustion sets in and hope flickers, our athletes dig deep, pressing forward through fatigue and pressure with a "never quit" spirit. Because at SPARC, we train for it every day, every rep. We stay in every point and every fight, unyielding and fierce until the final challenge is won.

OUR STAFF
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TONY CHERONE
 

Tony Cherone is a nationally recognized tennis professional with over three decades of coaching excellence. A Hall of Fame athlete from McHenry High School, Tony has transformed from a standout basketball and tennis player into one of America's most decorated tennis coaches. His journey from University of Tennessee at Martin walk-on to National High School Coach of the Year at Collierville High School exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his students.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TONY!

OUR STAFF
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Sascha Steinhausler
 

Tony Cherone is a nationally recognized tennis professional with over three decades of coaching excellence. A Hall of Fame athlete from McHenry High School, Tony has transformed from a standout basketball and tennis player into one of America's most decorated tennis coaches. His journey from University of Tennessee at Martin walk-on to National High School Coach of the Year at Collierville High School exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his students.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TONY!

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ELIZABETH DEVRIES
Coach
 

Elizabeth played competitive tennis throughout high school and college. Her coaching journey began in 2020 when her youngest daughter expressed a passion for the game.

 

Her coaching philosophy encourages players in developing a balanced game which includes physical conditioning, skill development, nutrition and mental toughness.

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DANIEL JERDEN
Coach
 

Coach Jerden is a USPTA-certified tennis instructor with over 10 years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for developing young athletes. 

He currently coaches through Collierville Parks & Recreationand serves as Assistant Coach for both Collierville Middle School and Collierville High School. His connection to the program is also personal—his son, Max, is a current Collierville High School varsity tennis player and been in the program for 6 years.

With over 20 years of experience in education, he is known for his ability to connect with kids, foster growth, and create a positive learning environment whether teaching private lessons, clinics, or for school tennis programs. 

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DEAN SPINOSA
Coach
 

Dean is a USTA level 1 certified tennis coach with nearly three years of hands-on coaching experience. He currently plays for Collierville High School and has been actively involved in the sport for over five years. His dedication to the sport is matched by his leadership off the court currently serving as the class president of Collierville High School’s Sophomore class.

 

Dean is a positive light for students looking to learn tennis and will help bring your skills to the next level.

News & Stories
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