KSL Platinum - (Page 12) courtside chat Passion for Teaching The Game What Drives Mike Casey’s Plain and simple - Mike loves people; he loves the game of tennis, and goes the extra mile for his students to learn while having fun. Join us for a little courtside chat with La Costa Resort and Spa’s Director of Tennis and get to know why he is everyone’s favorite tennis pro - and a respected ambassador of the game. Q. If your students could describe you using only three words, what would they be? Outstanding. Fabulous. And “Wow!” After a lesson, my students almost always immediately say, “That was outstanding!” Or, “That was fabulous!” And I really strive to offer the highest degree of “wow” and give them the experience of a lifetime they won’t forget. Q. What fuels your passion for teaching tennis? And how do you make the game fun and exciting for your students? Seeing people improve quickly and advancing to the next level. It’s really satisfying! When I teach I use all kinds of tools – video replay, music on the court, cones, hula hoops – a bunch of little toys so people can see where I want them to hit and how. They improve so quickly it’s awesome to see and be a part of. It makes it all so much more fun! Q. Who were your tennis idols growing up and why? Definitely the Australian legends Rod Laver, Kenny Rosewall, and Roy Emerson. They could compete at the highest level and still be kind and gracious to the fans. To see such a classy group of players that were at the highest level of the game, yet still managed to have fun - even drink a beer with their fans in the stands - I was awed by that! Q. Did you think you would be on a first name basis with some of the world’s best tennis players? When I was 5 or 6 years old, I can remember wanting to somehow be affiliated with the rich and famous but didn’t know how. Teaching tennis, they would just come up to me, “Mike, would you teach me?” And that’s how I ended up striking personal friendships with celebrities, as well as through my affiliation with the Ambassador Program for Nike Tennis. I feel truly blessed to enjoy such a close rapport with some of the best players in the world. In fact, I am on my way to the Pacific Life tournament and am meeting up with Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, and Roger Federer today, playing golf with Roger’s mom and dad in the afternoon, and then having dinner with their family. My friendship with such talented people is truly a dream come true. Q. What are some of your favorite ‘celebrity moments’ while teaching on the court? (laughing) Adam Sandler. He is just like playing tennis with Happy Gilmore! Adam Sandler is a talented athlete who can really play, but he talks on the court and says all sorts of funny stuff. We would just crack up! He does have a competitive side, but also has an incredible sense of humor. It’s a blast to play with him. He’s so creative – he just picks stuff out to say adlib that is so funny. Just his tone, mannerisms, facial expressions, and outlandish comments made us laugh so much, that it brought tears to my eyes (and caused me to miss the ball!) Another great moment was teaching Sugar Ray Leonard. He’s a warrior on the court, a battler. He doesn’t quit and he’ll fight to the bitter end. Q. What is your “trademark” teaching method? I’m not a tennis teacher; I am a video tennis teacher! I’m known as “The Video Man” because of my teaching program - “Mike Casey Video Tennis”. Video is the fastest and shortest way to advance to the next level. At La Costa, I’ve just introduced my “Extreme Tennis Makeover” - a full day complete video analysis and makeover of your game, on the court and in the classroom. You get to see yourself in action! The footage captures the way you are - then the extreme tennis makeover begins. We review your strokes, strategy, footwork, grips, body posture, chemistry on the court, and much more – all while having fun and learning in creative ways. It’s so cool to see the immediate progress, and the smiles on their faces! People love it! Q. As the new Director of Tennis at La Costa, any plans for the resort’s tennis program? I want to create an international instructional and learning center, where people come in from all over the world to work on their drills and strategies. One of the new international sports is beach tennis, so I want to create a program that takes our resort guests and club members down to the nearby ocean for 90-minute beach tennis drills and match play. It will be a total body workout! Tennis fitness, much like what’s happening with golf fitness now, is going to be a huge focus, and I’m looking to spearhead new, innovative programs for La Costa to be on the cutting-edge of tennis fitness. Q. In conclusion, what “words of inspiration” can you leave our readers with today? 1) Tennis is a sport of a lifetime. 2) Tennis is a game that starts with love. 3) Try it – you’ll like it! And 4) It’s never too early or too late to start. Those that know me know I also have a trademark saying, “It’s all good.” Because there’s always a lesson to be learned, and no matter what it is… “It’s all good!” For more information about Mike Casey and the tennis programs at La Costa Resort and Spa, call 760.899.3333 or visit www.lacosta.com Mike Casey Mike Casey - “Pro to the Stars” shines at La Costa Resort and Spa praise from the pros roger federer, ranked #1 in the world, winner of 12 Grand Slam singles titles “I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike Casey for over 8 years. I have never met someone who has more energy, enthusiasm, passion for the sport of tennis.” andy roddick, U.S. Open Champion, top 3 in the world “Mike is one of the really good guys in tennis. He has such a positive energy that he brings to the court every day. “ tracy austin, former #1 tennis player in the world “Mike Casey goes that extra mile to try and make it special for his clients.” patrick mcenroe, Captain of the US David Cup Team, ESPN T.V. commentator “Mike Casey is Mr. Energy. I have learned so much watching Mike put his guests through their paces on the courts. Nobody runs a program like Mike.” 12 http://www.lacosta.com/tennis/extreme_tennis_makeover.asp?src=platinumebrochure_Xtennis http://www.lacosta.com
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of KSL Platinum KSL Platinum Contents Redefining Beachfront Luxury Destination: Virgina For the Love of Summer Girls' Day Out The Hot Spot Culinary Couture D.I.Y. Gourmet Caring for the Community Mike Casey - Pro to the Stars Spectacular Suites Celebration KSL Platinum KSL Platinum - (Page Intro) KSL Platinum - KSL Platinum (Page Cover1) KSL Platinum - Contents (Page Cover2) KSL Platinum - Contents (Page 1) KSL Platinum - Redefining Beachfront Luxury (Page 2) KSL Platinum - Redefining Beachfront Luxury (Page 3) KSL Platinum - Destination: Virgina (Page 4) KSL Platinum - Destination: Virgina (Page 5) KSL Platinum - For the Love of Summer (Page 6) KSL Platinum - For the Love of Summer (Page 7) KSL Platinum - Girls' Day Out (Page 8) KSL Platinum - The Hot Spot (Page 9) KSL Platinum - Culinary Couture (Page 10) KSL Platinum - Caring for the Community (Page 11) KSL Platinum - Mike Casey - Pro to the Stars (Page 12) KSL Platinum - Mike Casey - Pro to the Stars (Page Cover3) KSL Platinum - Mike Casey - Pro to the Stars (Page Cover4)
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