Harmon Out at USTA High Performance
Rodney Harmon, Director of Men's Tennis for USTA High Performance since 2002, is no longer employed by the organization. There have been no details released, but Harmon and High Performance Coach Martin Van Daalen are no longer there, joining coaches Wade McGuire, Debbie Graham Shaffer, Robin White and Kimberly Po-Messerli, as well as Director of Women's Tennis Jean Nachand, who have not survived in the organization since Patrick McEnroe was named General Manager of Elite Player Development.
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16 comments:
Admittedly, do not know many of the people listed here, but interesting and refreshing that one of the heads NOT rolling is that of Ray Ruffels, a guy that is very knowledgeable, down to earth, and has a sincere interest in the kids welfare. With the addition of Higueras, I believe things will be looking up as far as development of American juniors.
Rodney Harmon got fired? I would really like an explanation to this if anyone knows. Thanks.
As far as I know, Jean Nachand was not fired...yet. Do you know when she is expected to leave?
Wade McGuire was my son's coach before he left for the USTA. Believe me he can develop a player. Just another example of how inept the USTA really is?
Well, let's see 2002 though 2008, who actually came through high performance and successfully became a pro, anybody? Name one? So a house cleaning was in order.
jeff-
No offense, but Wade McGuire was not that great of a coach and had to go. That was a tough, but good decision by the USTA.
Here is yet another example of how out of touch the "powers that be" at the USTA are when it comes to junior development. Anyone know who the last "player" Coach P Mac developed? Just because you sit courtside for the Davis Cup doesn't mean you know how to spot or develop tennis talent.
tennisun,
Patrick is not developing the players himself in case you haven't noticed. He's just trying to do the right thing by keeping coaches who have the ability to develop good players, and got rid of the ones he thought were not fit for the job. And that of course, is all a matter of my opinion on what I think he's trying to do. However, please get your facts right before stating that McEnroe is now developing players.
none of the coaches that were fired were very good coaches, which is why they were fired.
I think all the coaches are good and tried to do his or her best. Good luck to their future. I think problem with USTA is its system, ie the way how high performance program is working, at least for girl's side. Right now, they have facility and coaches available and jr. players selected by USTA join the camp and trained there. But USTA did not produce world class players. Why? Answer is simple. Take a look at Oudin or Coco. They did not join the Camp because they have their own coach and they dont want to switch. Also, they don't want to move to Florida for their young ages. I think thats why a lot of talent left out of Florida camp. So, I think USTA should focus on each players' individuality rather than camp concept. USTA could support those talented players by giving them more grants and consultation so that they could use those grants on their individual way. Bottom line is Parents know their kids best, not USTA.
"Fay", one of the best posts I have read on this topic. I agree with everything you said. Why not support juniors who are having success, but choose to remain with their families instead of living at the HP facility. I can understand an occasional visit if the player and parents wish, but if things are going well, why not reward the player (and families) with financial assistance for coaching, travel etc..if they are showing promise, but choose to remain where they are?
Because politically, it becomes about power, control and credit rather than what's best for developement unfortunately.
Its like when a new head coach is hired in the NFL. They might keep a couple assistants or position coaches here and there but primarily they bring in new coordinators and staff. Because you don't want your fate tied to the previous head coach's staff. Not that i agree with the personnel turnover specifically but I can understand the reasoning behind it. What kind of message would it send if you keep the same people around but expect different results?
Patrick McEnroe has developed nobody and neither has Jose Higueras. Working with pros that have already been developed is easy, I could do it. Just in case you people don't know, Senior Higueras started two academies under his name and both failed. Hmmmmm, so much for developing players. When he realized how much work it takes, he bailed. He'll do the same with the USTA.
Does anyone know where Rodney Harmon is now?
I hear that he is coaching in South Florida and is working with one of the top US African American girls.
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