GAMINC Tennis

“Adam is an amazing tennis coach! My 9 year old daughter had never picked up a tennis racquet before this summer. Through Adam, she discovered a new love and a lifelong sport. The progress she made was amazing! By the end of the summer, she was able to serve, volley, play a game and keep score! She was very sad after her last tennis lesson, but was cheered by the fact that she would get to take lessons from Coach Adam again next summer! I am looking into continuing tennis into the school year, but even Lucy recognizes that, “it is just not going to be the same!”

~Megan Speers (Hopkins, Minnesota)

“My parents started taking tennis lessons with Coach Adam last summer in Hackensack, Minnesota. My Dad was so impressed with his skills as a teacher that he thought my 7 year old son would benefit from working with Coach Adam. Coach Adam created a teaching environment that was fun and enjoyable for my son and also inspired him to want to play more tennis. My goal in providing tennis lessons for my son was for him to love the game and Coach Adam exceeded my expectations!”

~Jill Anderson (Kingwood, Texas)

“My daughter, Annika, walked into her first tennis lesson with Coach Adam having never even picked up a tennis racquet. Coach Adam’s natural ability for working with children and his extensive knowledge of the fundamentals of the game of tennis, accompanied by his sincere, compassionate, gentle, patient and genuinely positive demeanor allowed my daughter to make great gains in her aptitude as a tennis player and most importantly, built confidence and pride in herself and her abilities as an athlete. Adam engages his players within a lesson and makes learning the sport fun and easy. I am grateful to Adam for instilling within Annika a love for tennis!”

~Elizabeth Schoenborn (Golden Valley, Minnesota)

“I have known Adam and Amelia Gislason for at least a couple of years. Just last summer while vacationing in Minnesota, I decided to have my 21 year old son, Jack, take tennis lessons from Coach Adam. Jack has Fragile X Syndrome (the leading inherited cause of Mental Retardation). As a mother, I am often hesitant that Jack will be a problem or difficult to instruct. Coach Adam was unbelievable. He gave Jack such a love for the game and was so tolerant of Jack’s antics…like listening to Jack say, “You are going down!” Clearly, Coach Adam gave Jack great confidence in his abilities. Coach Adam taught Jack way more then I ever felt he was capable of learning. Jack was able to come home and participate in a city doubles league. He learned to serve overhand, he has a beautiful swing and most importantly Jack had the opportunity to make a lasting friendship. Coach Adam is a great role model and loves to encourage his students. There was never a dull moment for either of them!”

~Megan Massey (Scottsbluff, Nebraska)

“My 7 year old daughter Ellery and 6 year old son Colton were both brand new to the sport of tennis. Coach Adam is a great teacher and wonderful with the kids in private, semi-private and group tennis lessons. He introduced them to the basics of tennis through a series of games and drills, keeping it fun and exciting. All the kids loved him and they could not wait until their next tennis lesson. As young athletes, my children grew in their confidence on and off the court because Coach Adam believed they could succeed! They are both looking forward to lessons again next summer!”

~Enid Mason (Maple Grove, Minnesota)

“I have known Adam Gislason for over a year as he administered his activities at Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club, where he has assumed the role of tennis professional. My dealings with Adam have been both as a member of Cedar Hammock’s Tennis Committee to which Adam reported and as a direct recipient of Adam’s private tennis lessons. It should be known that Cedar Hammock is by its name essentially a golf community with 799 owners most of whom are golfers. Since its inception, the tennis committee has strived to increase tennis participation and quality within the community with some success. However, to date, participation is still limited and the tennis courts underutilized. The tennis facilities are first rate. With this in mind in 2009 the Cedar Hammock Board of Directors authorized the addition of a part-time tennis professional to assist the tennis committee in the development and installation of a broad tennis program. Adam was chosen to help improve this tennis program to include among other activities various clinics for multiple level players (beginners, intermediates and advanced) (male and female) as well as private lessons. In developing suitable programs for Cedar Hammock, I found Adam to be resourceful and imaginative. In the implementation of the programs, which I observed multiple times, I found Adam to be skilled, respected and liked by those receiving the clinics. He made the clinics fun. His use of positive reinforcement encouraged those receiving clinic training to come back for future clinics. Personally, as a 3.5 (aspiring 4.0) tennis player, during the winter of 2009, I was the direct recipient of (most likely) more private hourly lessons at Cedar Hammock than any other club member. As above, I found Adam to be skilled in teaching shot mechanics, observant of flawed tendencies of his student (me) and most adept at recommending appropriate improvement(s). More importantly Adam is a most likeable, thoughtful person and a pleasure to work with. I consider this statement to be an unconditional tribute and testament to Adam Gislason as a person and as a tennis professional!”

~Robert Allen (Lusby, Maryland)

“Because of a shoulder injury I had not played tennis for many years, but returned to the game in the winter of 2012 at Naples Heritage Golf & Country Club in Florida where Adam is the tennis professional. I was excited to be back on the courts and delighted to find a caring, encouraging and talented coach! Adam is a personable, skilled tennis player and teacher. He focuses on the basics of the game being very aware of his students strengths, weaknesses and physical abilities/limitations. Serving a predominately senior population at Naples Heritage, Adam adjusted his clinics and lessons appropriately. His attention to detail and thoroughness during his instruction (the grip, the stance, the swing, the follow-through, the court position, etc.) enabled his students to make great improvements in their games. His personal warmth and sincere interest in his students created a warm and welcoming tennis environment. He is definitely the best instructor I have ever had in my life and is a major reason we will consider returning to Naples Heritage next year. Any tennis club having Adam as professional is blessed. I just wish I could have enticed him to move to Canada!”

~Sandy Tulloch (Ontario, Canada)

“Four years ago after I retired, I decided to learn how to play tennis. Being a newer player, I was tentative about taking lessons from a tennis professional. However, this year Royal Wood offered tennis clinics and I decided to join some friends to take advantage of the lessons. Wow, am I glad I did! I met our tennis professional Adam Gislason and he is a wonderful teacher. Over the weeks, he has given an excellent overview of the game including rules, strategies and shots. I like how he explains why a particular shot is used whether serving or receiving. He effectively demonstrates what he means and gives the students plenty of opportunity to practice the strategies and shots. He employs many games during the practice making the clinics really fun! He has the ability to meet the students where they are with their game and go from there. He is cognizant of the players differences such as age, handedness, physicality, level of play and confidence. It takes a special teacher to be able to meet the needs of all his learners in a clinic situation. Most important to me, Adam is such a kind and patient person and he loves what he is doing! I look forward to learning from Adam in the future. I have a long way to go with my tennis game, but I know with Adam’s coaching, I will make good strides and continue to enjoy the great game of tennis!”

~Sandy Hendricks (Naples, Florida)

“We are residents of Cobblestone Court and have enjoyed living here during the winter months. One of the great highlights has been the tennis clinics that our tennis professional Adam Gislason has created for all tennis levels. We were average tennis players years ago, but with these free clinics that Royal Wood offers along with the level of enthusiasm, professionalism and quality of teaching and coaching, our tennis interest has been renewed. Adam’s instruction has been outstanding! This year, both of us have taken a variety of tennis clinics over the past few months and we can only say-amazing! Each time, Adam has come with new tennis drills, innovative teaching methods and an uplifting attitude that we can all be successful at the great game of tennis. He constantly says we can enjoy the game of tennis at any level which has been a great encouragement for us to continue playing into the future. We wanted to acknowledge Adam’s outstanding ability, quality of tennis and his professionalism to provide such a wonderful tennis program for Royal Wood. With his direction, I think we could all enjoy the great game of tennis for many more years to come!”

~Jim & Anita Carter (Naples, Florida)

“I had not played tennis for many years, so when I saw the notice in the tennis area at Royal Wood for free tennis clinics, I thought I would give it a try! I have had a lot of fun learning and our tennis professional Adam Gislason is a very patient and kind and is a fantastic tennis instructor. He is very efficient and non-critical as he teaches the basics. I was so happy to be able to play tennis with my 2 young grandchildren when they arrived in Naples for their spring break from school. I would never have been able to play tennis without the great instruction from Coach Adam! They loved playing tennis with me and it was especially funny for them when I hit a squirrel!”

~Jackie Kinch (Mt. Hope, Ontario)

“I was fortunate enough to attend Adam’s tennis clinics for 2-3 years and have been very pleased with the content and organization that he exhibits on the tennis court. He is very professional and yet very patient and quick to recognize what an individual needs help in and provides that help. We are extremely fortunate to have such a skilled tennis professional like Adam Gislason at Naples Heritage Golf & Country Club. I highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in improving their game!”

~Larrie Brazner (Appleton, Wisconsin)

“My wife Susan and I decided to take tennis lessons this past winter while at Naples Heritage which is our winter residence. We were pleased to meet Adam Gislason, a very warm and personable young man with considerable tennis experience who teaches tennis at Naples Heritage. Susan is a beginner, never having played tennis in her life. I had played some tennis years ago, never advancing to a desirable skill level. During my playing years, I took some tennis lessons from several instructors, however, the exercise did not help me much at all. Meeting Adam and getting to know him is one of the great pleasures in our lives. Adam Gislason is a tennis instructor who totally and completely understands the game of tennis. He teaches the basics including posture and footwork and then progresses into the various strokes!”

~Frank & Susan Sargent (Hawley, Pennsylvania)

“I just want to thank our tennis professional Adam Gislason for all that he has done for the Cedar Hammock tennis program. I have taken private and public lessons from him and I am totally amazed at how I pick up pointers. I have played against Adam a number of times and I must say that just observing his game has helped me immeasurably. We are renters at Cedar Hammock and the main reason we come back is for the tennis. Thanks again Adam and we look forward to next season!”

~Casey Kronner (Prudenville, Michigan)

“I took lessons from Adam this summer and couldn’t be happier about the results. Adam has a keen eye for picking up and focusing on a few key points that can make a huge difference. I look forward to learning more from Adam next summer!”

~Bob Davis (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

“I met our tennis professional Adam Gislason for the first time last year at Naples Heritage where we spend our winters. As a sixty year old who had not picked up a racquet for 35 years, I attended one of his first group lessons with some trepidation. His patience and good humor soon however dispelled any initial fears and in due time I was motivated enough to take up private lessons with him. Adam has an obvious love for the game and conveys that to everybody he comes into contact at whatever level or age group. From observing his skills at motivating and teaching at all levels, I would have no hesitation in recommending him for tennis players at all levels!”

~Robin Mackenzie (Isle of Man & Naples, Florida) 

“I am a recent retiree who had not played tennis in about 25 years or so, but really enjoyed playing at the beginner and intermediate levels in my younger days. Adam Gislason is the tennis professional at our seasonal residence in Naples, Florida and after attending a few of Adam’s beginner clinics, I was able to comfortably join other tennis players in their weekly matches. Adam is very methodical in his approach to teaching and stresses the fundamentals of tennis. He has developed the great ability to both instruct and encourage his tennis students and he is just as successful teaching experienced players as he is beginners. He will definitely improve your tennis game!”

~Clint Holland (Mashpee, Massachusetts)

“I first met Adam at a tennis clinic at Naples Heritage Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida. It had been over 35 years since I had played tennis on a regular basis and I was apprehensive about starting over with my rusty tennis skills. Adam made it an enjoyable reintroduction to tennis. Basic skills were concentrated on and Adam’s encouragement helped me to become a better player in a short period of time. I even gained enough confidence to play in our ladies tennis group and after some private tennis lessons from Adam, my partners commented about my significant improvement. I would recommend Adam to players of all ages and levels!”

~Rosemary Holland (Mashpee,Massachusetts)

“Adam helped me make real progress in my game. He is very dedicated and has been willing to work tirelessly with me. Adam always consistently comes back to the fundamentals of tennis and makes sure you keep them in mind. He is also great with children. When he gave lessons to my nieces and nephew he made sure to work with each child at their individual level. He has been a huge asset at Cedar Hammock!”

~Sherry Smith (Spring Lake, New Jersey)

“I arrived a complete novice at my first tennis lesson with my brand new tennis racquet in hand and my brand new tennis shoes tied tightly. As soon as the lesson started, I realized how blessed I was to have our tennis professional Adam Gislason as my tennis instructor. With great patience, over several sessions, he showed the other students and myself the basics of the game-positioning, forehand, backhand, volleys and serve. We quickly realized that learning tennis is not easy. Adam made the learning fun. He built up our confidence while helping us to start developing the skills that will lead to being able to play well enough to enjoy the game. Anyone who wants to learn tennis should jump at the chance to have Adam as their instructor!”

~Judy Webster (Toronto, Canada)

“My wife Sandy and I have been involved with our club’s tennis professional Adam Gislason in his tennis clinics at Cedar Hammock Golf & Country Club. They have been very beneficial and enjoyable. Adam’s knowledge, as well as people skills, has allowed him to be very successful at being our Director of Tennis & Head Tennis Professional. Thanks for helping Sandy and I enjoy our time on the tennis court!”

~Dave & Sandy Diedrich (Brookings, South Dakota)