Sideline Stories: Eric Driscoll, United States Tennis Association New England
Growing up in Standish in the ‘70s and ‘80s, I dreamed of being a professional athlete and played almost every popular sport. I also dreamt of working in the business world or possibly owning my own business one day. Fast forward to the year 2000, and I was fortunate enough to find an opportunity that would allow me to combine my two passions. No, I didn’t make it as a pro athlete, however, I did find an amazing opportunity to promote the greatest sport in the world, tennis, right here in my backyard in Maine and New Hampshire!
I was introduced to tennis in middle school through an after school program, and at that point in my life, I was debating whether to transition to tennis full time as a spring sport or continue with baseball. It wasn’t until high school when I met a gentleman named Mel Hathaway, that I realized tennis was the sport for me. Mel taught me a great deal about the sport and life, including the willingness to give back, sharing your time, knowledge, and passion to inspire others to grow and achieve in whatever endeavors they choose.
At 72 years old and not possessing great height, power, or speed, Mel was still able to beat all of us in a set of singles in our first couple years of lessons. From him, I also learned humility and respecting the abilities of my elders.
I went on to play varsity tennis through high school and then took many of the lessons Mel taught me to the University of Southern Maine where I graduated with degrees in business and economics.
After a few years of working in a cubicle in the corporate world, I realized I was yearning to fill a need to make a difference in the world. And thanks to the United States Tennis Association (USTA), I was able to promote the sport of tennis and the valuable lessons I learned as a child and pass them along to the next generation.
Through my work with USTA, I’ve helped hundreds of teachers bring tennis to their students through school or afterschool programs, assisted numerous tennis organizations with the receiving of grant money to start or grow their programs and have been part of projects to build and renovate tennis courts in local towns. In addition, I’ve worked with students, parents, coaches, teaching professionals, club owners, directors, parks and recreation departments, politicians and so many more to share the opportunity to learn the countless life lessons and receive the health benefits that the sport of tennis provides.
My main focus now has shifted to providing new players in their local communities the opportunity to play tennis for the first time through our flourishing Tennis in the Parks program. This program, run in conjunction with recreation departments throughout New England, is an ideal way for beginners to learn to play the sport while receiving the health benefits, lessons, and values that tennis teaches in a safe and welcoming environment.
I believe relationships are one of the keys to success. Every person and every organization is important. Listening and supporting the needs of others no matter how big or small is integral to building and sustaining long-term successful relationships.
Being able to work for an organization that is committed to the greater good of people and inclusiveness through tennis gives me the most satisfaction. Through these uncertain times, I truly believe in the values the USTA has and represents as well as the resources and programs they provide or are developing.
I’m looking forward to what comes next and how I can continue to help more people and organizations by bringing the many benefits of tennis to them!