The YYC Tennis Academy in Calgary is a thriving hub for the sport, fostering a love for tennis among its young attendees. With a dedicated and professional coaching staff leading the way, the academy has successfully etched a strong identity in the tennis community of Calgary.
The linchpin of the academy is Shawna, who brings an infectious passion for the sport to her role as the head of the academy. Her deep understanding of tennis, both as a player and as a coach, is instrumental in creating an enriching environment for the young aspirants. Shawna's visionary leadership has shaped the academy's curriculum, focusing on not just the physical aspects of tennis but also the mental strength and discipline required to excel in the sport.
Working closely with Shawna are coaches Karin and Aiden, both of whom bring unique perspectives to the court. Karin's experience in coaching helps her instil a sense of focus and determination in the students, while Aiden's youthful exuberance is a hit among the younger members. Together, they form a robust coaching framework that consistently produces promising tennis talent.
YYC Tennis Academy goes beyond the regular coaching sessions, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive exposure to the sport. It does so by organizing tennis camps across Calgary, which offer a more intensive and immersive tennis experience for the students. These camps combine fun with learning, ensuring that students continue to engage with the sport outside their regular training environment.
Children attending YYC Tennis Academy are not just learning to play tennis; they're developing a deep appreciation for the sport. With a coaching team that has a shared passion and commitment to the sport, the academy continues to contribute significantly to the growth of tennis in Calgary.
Shawna Lalande is the president, owner and originator of the YYC Tennis Academy. She started the Academy in 1999 and has produced one of the most successful summer tennis programs in Western Canada.
Shawna began playing tennis at the age of 10 and, by age 11, was sponsored to attend the All Canadian Tennis Academy in London, Ontario, training with Pierre Lamarche. After a year of training at the Academy, Shawna was offered a scholarship by John Bassett to Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. She then played on the OTA circuit and in Grand Pris tournaments, eventually ranking 5th in Canada.
She is certified as a USTA instructor and is a Canadian Certified Club Pro. She started teaching children's and adult recreational programs at the age of 15. She has taught at John Gardiner's Tennis Ranch in Phoenix, Arizona, and also taught for 10 years at Calgary's prestigious Glencoe Club. Shawna has also had the privilege of representing Canada on the Canadian Women's national Padel tennis team in the 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 World Championships.
Shawna has a passion for tennis and people, and has produced one of the only home school tennis programs for home schooled children in Alberta. Her summer programs consist of a mix of lessons for both adults and children, starting at beginner and moving up to whatever classification of instruction a client may need or request. Her programs continue to be in high demand from clients and communities throughout Calgary and in surrounding areas.
My name is Izzie Martin and I am 17 years old. I started playing tennis at the age of 4, and was competitive by age 12. I have been training at the Calgary Winter Club for all 13 of those years. When I was 15 I completed my instructor certification. This allowed me to have the opportunity coach and mentor young players, as well as continue my training. In addition to tennis, I also play competitive ringette and was an assistant coach for U12 ringette. I have been coaching with Shawna over the past year and I am excited to continue coaching with her this summer.
Hello, my name is Adam, and I play tennis competitively at the Calgary Winter Club. I started playing tennis when I was 4 years old, and Coach Shawna was one of my first coaches. I am still competing in tournaments across Alberta to this day in the U16 category. I have made Outdoor Provincials twice. Besides tennis, I also play Hockey competitively in the winter. I have great energy and will bring it to the court this summer.