Meet Our Tennis Pros

Springton Tennis Club is fortunate to be associated with a number of talented tennis pros. These accomplished athletes are ready to work with you to improve your skills in the fine art of tennis. So whether you are looking to become a pro yourself or just to take up an invigorating pastime, these are the people to see.

Keith Fox (Head Pro – Full Time)

Keith is a graduate of West Chester University, where he played volleyball for four years and participated in national tournaments. Keith has 33 years of teaching experience at Springton Tennis Club as well as other local country clubs. He is a USPTA-certified pro and has competed in Middle States tournaments. Keith is Co-Director of Junior Development in addition to teaching private and clinic lessons. He is sponsored by Prince Global Sports.

Rick Palmer (Full Time)

Rick has been a Springton pro for 31 years (since 1991). His coaching of Conestoga’s High School boys’ team, Kennett Square High School girls’ team and West Chester University led Middle States to name Rick Coach of the Year numerous times. He has been a USPTA-certified pro for the last 43 years. He is tennis director at Pennypacker Country Club in the summer.

Suzanne Barr

Suzanne Barr is the director of our Tots program. She has been teaching professionally since 1993 and a member of our staff since 2018. In our Tot’s classes, Suzanne focuses on helping her students develop gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination, build self- confidence and have fun!

INTRODUCING YOUR CHILDREN TO TENNIS

Tennis is known as a sport that can be a lifelong pursuit. You may know of someone that has a tot who has started a class. You may wonder how young is too young to start learning the game. Truth is, as soon as your child is able to walk and hold things, you can expose them to the sport. Let them investigate your racquet and touch, roll and throw balls. There have been studies shown that children gain an interest in engaging in things that they see and are around at a very young age. The beauty is, you don't have to do anything but expose them to the sport.

Some of the following are ways that you can get them started.
1) Have the tennis channel on. Kids are very often visual learners and there is nothing better then watching how the pros do it!

2) Find the right coach and program that is appropriate for your child's age. If your child is in the 3-5 range, they should be using a lot of appropriate motor skill development teaching aids and it should be FUN.

3) Play and have fun together as a family. You can play tennis even at home in your own house by tapping balloons back and forth. Or book a family lesson with a pro who specializes in working with both you and your child at the same time. You would be surprised at how much fun a family lesson can be. Children love to play with you and nothing beats the family bonding time! Enjoy!