Doug Hofer is well-schooled in the practice of building grassroots support for tennis.

This Professional 1 member of USPTA created the Visalia (Calif.) Community Tennis Association and incorporated the USTA's Schools Program in all 20 elementary schools of the Visalia Unified School District. He currently serves as executive director of the association.

Doug is also the tennis professional for Hofer Tennis in Visalia, and he previously worked as tennis coach for Immanuel High School and the College of the Sequoias, tennis professional for Visalia Racquet Club and director of tennis for the City of Visalia.

Doug has taught tennis to groups as large as 100 at a time on a school playground, to private lessons with top-ranked juniors.

“I get great satisfaction in helping people of all ages enjoy the sport of tennis – to reach their full potential in tennis and life,” Doug says. “I consider the relationships with my players among my most cherished possessions. I am so proud of my players in all areas of their lives, and I am pleased to be included in their lives for many years even after our tennis partnership has concluded.”

“I enjoy getting young people started playing tennis for the first time, to see the excitement and fun they have playing tennis.”

He hopes to someday travel and tell others how to organize and set up tennis programs for virtually every age and skill level.

Doug is a USRSA-certified stringer and he received the USTA Community Service Award for College Coaches in 1991 and 1996.

A member of the USPTA since 1981, he served as a USPTA Northern California Division regional director. He received the division’s Regional Director of the Year Award in 1996 and 1998.

Doug played on the USTA/Penn satellite circuit from 1979 to 1980 and the Northern California and Central California professional circuits. He was a three-time qualifier for Central California's Tournament of Champions. He also played three years of tennis in high school and four years in college, and was named the most improved player in college and most valuable player as a senior at both levels.

Doug earned bachelor's degrees in health and physical education from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. He also received an associate of arts degree from Reedley College in Reedley, Calif., and California state teacher credentials from Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, Calif.

Outside of tennis, Doug’s No. 1 goal is to please God and to love his wife and children.

Please visit my Web site and sign my guestbook

Hofertennis.com