April 2005

Monthly Archive

Tennis Portfolio

Posted by Administrator on 28 Apr 2005 11:40 am. Filed under Tennis.

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Hilton Head, SC. (1994) - The Family Cup - “Coaching Brenda Schultz and doubles partner Gabriela Sabatini. It was not only a rewarding experience but also a great pleasure coaching and traveling with Brenda Schultz who increased her ranking from #45 to #22 in the world.”


Hilton Head, SC (1994) - The Family Cup - “Exchanging ideas with Coach Sven Greenwald who was traveling with Arantxa Sanchez at the time. I gained a tremendous amount of coaching knowledge on the WTA Tour.”


Hilton Head, SC. (1994) - The Family Cup - “Getting advice from one of the best coaches in the world, Carlos Kirmayer who has coached Sabatini, Sanchez, Martinez and many others. I was very fortunate to become friends with Carlos who shared his insights and experiences with me.”


Flushing Meadows, NY. (1995) - The U.S. Open - “Brenda Schultz and Gabriela Sabatini winning their doubles match at the U.S. Open.”


Hamburg, Germany (1997) - “My team after winning our division to go up to the 2nd highest league in German Team Tennis. I truly enjoyed the comaraderie of our team as well as the competition of our matches.”


Hamburg, Germany (1997) - “My doubles partner and I came back and won the deciding match trailing 1-4 and 15-40 in the third set. This was one of the most exciting matches of my life. We were undefeated in doubles for three straight years.”


Delray Beach, FL. (1987) - “Training with Bjorn Borg was a dream come true. During this time I was assisting Vitas Gerualitis with his Tennis Academy.”


Hamburg, Germany (2000) - “Player and Coach for Men’s Team at the Blankenese Sports Club with #1 player from Denmark on our roster. I also coached the Women’s Team in 1999.”


San Antonio, Texas (1990) - “Played #2 singles and #1 doubles for Trinity University. (Division I) Our team was consistently top 20 in the U.S. After graduating with a Business Finance and Marketing degree, I competed in pro tournaments and achieved a ranking of #650 in the world in doubles.”


Delray Beach, FL (1992) - “Teaching private and group lessons at the International Tennis Center of Delray Beach. I’m very personable with my students making tennis a fun, learning experience for all ages and abilities.”


Hamburg, Germany (1998) - “Organized Summer Camps at the Blankenese Sports Club. I also taught private and group lessons, instructed junior clinics, organized activities for the club, and attracted new members and sponsors.”


Southampton, NY (1993) - “Organized fun junior clinics and supervised junior team matches at the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club.”


Southahpton, NY (1993) - “Organizing ladies clinics at the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club.”


Little Compton, RI (1992) - “Teaching private and group lessons, organizing Men’s clinics and junior programs at the Sakonnet Golf and Tennis Club. I also maintained eight har-tru courts and strung rackets.”


Boca Raton, FL (2002) - “Teaching at Boca West Golf & Tennis Resort for a few weeks before I move out to Denver. Also, I taught private and group lessons and Ladies’ clinics at the DelAire Country Club, Seasons of Boca Raton, Woodfield Hunt Club and Newport Bay Tennis Club.”

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Rich Benvin - Tennis Professional - Biography

Posted by Administrator on 28 Apr 2005 11:37 am. Filed under Tennis.

USPTR Pro ~ Former ATP Player & WTA Coach ~ Volkl National Team

Rich is currently a teaching professional in Denver, Colorado coaching over one hundred adults and junior players on a regular basis. He has worked with top, competitive players as a Team Colorado Coach and as a traveling coach for Kellen Damico, who is currently ranked #38 I.T.F and Paul Koenke, who is gearing up to play for Clemson in the Fall of 2005.

For the past several years, Rich has competed for a professional tennis team in the top leagues for the Blankenese Sports Club in Hamburg, Germany. He coached the Women’s and Men’s teams including a Davis Cup player from Denmark. For two years, Rich coached and traveled with Brenda Schultz who was ranked top 20 in the world. She reached the quarterfinals in singles and the finals in doubles with Gabriela Sabatini at the U.S. Open in 1995. Rich has sparred with many professionals including Jennifer Capriati, Mary Pierce and Aaron Krickstein. He has also trained nationally ranked junior players at the International Tennis Center in Delray Beach, Florida as well as instructed all levels of players at several private and public clubs throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Rich was ranked #650 in the world in doubles in 1991. He was also ranked top 30 in Italy in singles and traveled as a coach and sparring partner for Claudio Pistolesi who was ranked top 100 in the A.T.P. As a college player in Division I, Rich played #2 singles and #1 doubles in 1990 for Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. His best win was against Byron Black. He graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing and Finance and a Minor in Psychology.

Born and raised in New York, Rich attended high school at Woodmere Academy where he compiled a 93-2 singles record. He was a top, nationally ranked player throughout his junior career. In 1982, he was ranked #8 in singles and #2 in doubles in the nation with wins over Malivai Washington and David Wheaton.

Rich’s other interests include mountain biking, martial arts, music, reading and not until recently, snowboarding. Also, Rich has a passion for Internet web site development, online marketing and consulting. He worked as a Marketing Manager for the leading Internet wireless company in Germany. Also, he is fluent in German and Italian.

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Tennis Students - Testimonials

Posted by Administrator on 28 Apr 2005 11:34 am. Filed under Tennis.

“Rich Benvin is the epitome of a passionate tennis missionary spreading the gospel of tennis. He not only brings great knowledge, playing experience, but also a great love of the game and of the people who play the game to the court. You can never miss when Rich is on the court with you.” - Greg Patton

“Rich must dabble in magic in his spare time, because he’s succeeded where some of the greatest minds in tennis have failed - he’s given me a backhand! He’s knowledgeable, he’s focused, and he gives his students a great workout.” - Trixie

“Rich has helped my game dramatically since I’ve trained with him. He has shown me the pace of the game at the next level which has kept my results up through today. He knows the game inside and out and contributes to not only on-court tactics but mental strategies as well. It is a pleasure to work with him until I go off to college.” - Paul Koenke

“Rich has helped me take on a more positive attitude. All my strokes have improved considerably and I enjoy our practices.” - Jonathon Schpall

“A consistent training program with Rich provided me with the necessary tools to finally start winning in tournament tennis.” - Bill Trinen

“Thanks to Rich I don’t cheat anymore, I lost 5 pounds and I enjoy playing the game again.” - Jessica Blasberg

“No words can describe what Rich has done for my game. I have improved massively this past year working with him.” - Kellen Damico

“I was a true beginner and now because of Rich I’m starting to challenge 4.0 players with consistency. Though I’ve always loved the game I love it even more now. Even my dog’s serve got better!” - Pam Decker

“Rich has really helped me understand the mechanics of a solid serve and groundstrokes. Incorporating this understanding into my game has improved my power, consistency and confidence.” - Derek Jones

“Rich gives me a great workout. He’s helped with my strokes as well as with my mental game.” - Dane Mackelprang

“Rich listens, identifies an end goal and gets me focused with a road map to achieve it.” - Tim Vander Wall

“Rich’s instructions and fundamentals are invaluable. His insights and experience really make a difference.” - Marat Goldenberg

“Rich works wonders, improving both your mental and physical game, making your time on the court worthwhile and enjoyable!” - Erica Weiszmann

“To improve my tennis I needed a coach that is calm, organized, and understands the game in every little detail - Rich has it all. Rich told me how to volley, improve my serve, backhand and how to be mentally strong (get in the zone). Rich knows more about tennis than most people will ever dream about, and he has the ability to pass it on.” - Jan Jensen

“Thanks, Rich, for your patient, encouraging, and very beneficial help with my tennis skills. Your instruction has made a difference in my game and I appreciate it.” - Judi Prince and Angie Elzi

“I’ve taken many lessons as an adult learner. The difference with Rich is that he has several more levels he can teach at because he has played professional tennis. This comes into effect especially with the mental game - after stroke production is competent.” - Brad Schuster

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Interview with Kellen Damico

Posted by Administrator on 28 Apr 2005 11:30 am. Filed under Tennis.

Rich: Welcome back to Denver. How does it feel to be home for a little while?

Kellen: It’s alright. I have to do a lot of homework. But it’s good because I get to see my parents and friends.

Rich: How are you able to keep up with school with such a busy tennis schedule?

Kellen: Well, I’m taking classes online so I can study and finish courses on the road and I also have tutors helping me.

Rich: What’s your favorite subject?

Kellen: Spanish.

Rich: You just came back from the Easter Bowl in Palm Springs where you had a tough loss. Tell me about your match.

Kellen: I never do well at the Easter Bowl. I lost to Matt Bruch. I guess I was tired and he played pretty well. I let him get into my head.

Rich: Well, we’ve worked a lot on your mental toughness and positive attitude in the past. So, you’re still having some trouble with it?

Kellen: Oh no, it’s a lot better now. I guess I just needed a break.

Rich: You’ve recently won a big tournament in Malaysia and got to the finals of another in Indonesia. Tell me about your experiences there.

Kellen: I lost in the finals of a Grade 2 tournament in Salon Pas, Indonesia to Robin Roshardt from Switzerland. I was down 7-6, 4-1 and I had to retire because of heat exhaustion and cramping. The tournament in Indonesia was pretty easy though. Malyasia was a lot tougher. I had my best match ever winning the Grade 1 in Malaysia. I beat Andrew Kennaugh from Great Britain 5-7, 7-6, 7-6. I hit a huge serve in the third set tiebreak to win the match. It was awesome!

Rich: Would you explain the different grades of tournaments?

Kellen: Sure. Grade A offers the most ranking points and they include the Junior Grand Slams as well as bonus points to the winners. Grade B is for regional championships and Grade C is for team competitions. And then there’s Grade 1-5. Grade 5 tournaments offer the least ranking points and it’s where I started playing the ITF Circuit.

Rich: I bet you’re excited about playing the Junior French Open and Wimbledon. What’s your full schedule like this Summer?

Kellen: Well, first I have Junior Davis Cup and then I go to the Italian Open which is Grade A and then to the Astrid Bowl in Belgium (Grade 1) and then to the French Open (Grade A). I come back to practice on grass with Andy and then I head to Roehampton which is another Grade 1 and then to Wimbledon (Grade A) and then I have some training time before Kalamazoo.

Rich: You’re going to practice with Andy Roddick?

Kellen: Yeah, I’ve practiced with him a bunch of times in Texas.

Rich: What is that like? Have you ever played a set with him?

Kellen: It’s pretty fun. He’s a really cool guy. We play butts-up and he always hits me. We haven’t played a set yet.

Rich: Is Andy Roddick your favorite player?

Kellen: Yeah. I also like Nadal.

Rich: Why don’t you like Federer?

Kellen: Because everyone likes Federer.

Rich: Have you hit with any other pros?

Kellen: I practiced with Jennifer Capriati once and Chanda Rubin.

Rich: I noticed you switched racquets to the Babolat Aeropro Drive.

Kellen: Yeah, it’s the same one Nadal uses. It has a lot power. I like it.

Rich: I’m sure you know if you win the Nationals in Kalamazoo, Michigan you get wildcard into the Men’s U.S. Open. What if you have to play Andy Roddick in the first round like Scoville Jenkins did last year?

Kellen: That would be awesome! That’s my plan - to win Kalamazoo and get a wildcard into the U.S Open.

Rich: You’re going to invite me when that happens, right?

Kellen: Definitely. You can even come to Wimbledon this Summer. My Mom is renting a house there.

Rich: Cool! I will take you up on that offer. So, what’s your current junior world ranking in singles and doubles?

Kellen: Well, they combine points from both singles and doubles. I’m ranked 38th.

Rich: Wow, that’s great! Have you played against any of the top 10 players?

Kellen: Yeah, I’ve played against Donald Young who is #1 and I almost beat Robin Haase who is ranked #5. I lost to him 6-4 in the third.

Rich: You’re heading back to Texas next week. Tell me about your typical day at John Roddick’s Academy.

Kellen: A typical day in Texas - wake up at 8, practice 9-11:30 then do some conditioning, lunch break, play practice matches from 3-5:30 and then we’re supposed to do homework, have dinner and that’s it.

Rich: Who’s your best friend there?

Kellen: Nate Schnugg. We room together and he’s my doubles partner.

Rich: Your sister Krista is also at the Academy. How is she doing with her tennis?

Kellen: Good. She got to the finals of the Orange Bowl and she might be going to Morocco and Tunisia for some tournaments.

Rich: Does John Roddick coach her too?

Kellen: No, Christina Moros is her coach.

Rich: How big is the Academy? And what do you do there besides tennis?

Kellen: It’s a small Academy. There are only two pros and two trainers. There are about 10 boys and 4 girls. I practice a lot with Nate Schnugg, Jason Mcnaughton, Jay Wong and Spencer Vegosen, who are all really solid players. We hang out a lot when we’re not playing. We go to the movies, listen to music, talk about girls and stuff.

Rich: Speaking of girls… So, you’re going to the Prom on Saturday. How did you get so lucky being only a sophmore?

Kellen: How do you know about that?

Rich: Your Mom told me.

Kellen: Oh. Yeah, she’s cool. I have to catch a flight back to Texas in the morning right after Prom.

Rich: Back to tennis… As a junior player I had a few different coaches and trainers. Tell me about some of the coaches here in Colorado that have helped you develop your game these past couple of years.

Kellen: Well, you’ve helped me a great deal with my technique and constructing points as well as other parts of my game. I had my breakout tournaments traveling with you and winning my first two National Opens in Michigan and Pennsylvania last year. Gary Seymour has also been a great hitting coach, Scott Ford has worked on my mental game and Cary Hodges has also helped me out a lot.

Rich: This is our last practice session together before you head back to Texas. Are you ready to challenge me in a practice match?

Kellen: Oh, yeah!

Rich Benvin has coached Kellen Damico and Krista Damico as well as other top junior and professional players. Rich is available for private and group lessons, team coaching, match play and racquet stringing. Visit www.richbenvin.com for more information and pictures. Send an email to Rich at richb(at)mentornet.com


Kellen Damico and Jennifer Capriati

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