ABOUT S.P.A.R.C.
At S.P.A.R.C. every player in the our program trains with Growth, Resilience, Integrity and Tenacity (or G.R.I.T. as we call it). G.R.I.T. is our fuel and the creed we use and teach tennis in the relentless pursuit of progress.
GROWTH - RESILIENCE - INTEGRITY - TENACITY
GROWTH
GRIT means embracing adversity head-on. Progress isn’t built on comfort—it comes from facing missed shots, hard losses, and brutal workouts with unwavering resolve. We welcome every challenge, knowing each struggle is shaping the competitor and person we become.
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 players endure, adapt, and rise, no matter how tough the battle.
INTEGRITY
Real greatness is earned, not given. We compete with honor, never taking the easy way out. Integrity means being relentless in our effort, truthful in our actions, and committed to the long road—because shortcuts will never lead to lasting success.
TENACITY
GRIT 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 relentless spirit. We stay in every point and every fight, unyielding and fierce until the final challenge is won.
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 exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his students.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TONY!
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.
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.
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