Robert Lansdorp
1938 - 2024

On the 216th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ivan Ozerets pay tribute to the late Robert Lansdorp. To make an understatement, he was an American tennis treasure.

The common sense, toughness, drive and gut-wrenching honesty of Robert Lansdorp should not be forgotten. Everyone connected to the development of players and coaches would be wise to study the purity and simplicity of Robert's principles.

Excerpts from Ken Thomas' (Radio Tennis) interview with Robert highlight Steve and Ivan's discussion. To listen to the entire interview please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=929nO-I7_9k.

Joey Scrivano, Baylor Bears

On the 215th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith and Ivan Ozerets have a conversation with Joey Scrivano. He is currently leading Baylor University's women's tennis team.

He has served the university for 23 years. Steve lists off a long, long list of accomplishments that highlight the careers of Joey, his coaches, and his players.

Parents of college tennis hopefuls would be wise to listen, as would, players, coaches, and everyone connected to the pursuit of tennis excellence. The session is filled with inspiration, insight, ideas, and information.

By listening to Jeff, one will quickly discover he understands the nuts and bolts and X's and 0's of tennis to the nth degree. The development of a tennis mind takes time, lots and lots of time. Simply put, one needs to study tennis to truly be a student of the game.

Jeff was first introduced to Steve and his body of work at the age of fourteen and he has been working the information ever since. Thirty years later, Jeff easily has acquired a level of tennis teaching expertise that very few possess.

For more free educational content, one may follow Jeff at jefflewistennis.com and victorytennisprograms.com. Also, visit his YouTube channel and Instagram at youtube.com/jefflewistennis and instagram.com/jefflewistennis.

Laughing and learning are guaranteed.

Jeff Lewis recently spent a week with Steve Smith at the Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia. The two, who have known each other for thirty years, recorded two conversations for the listeners of the GreatBase Tennis podcast.

To make an understatement, Jeff knows tennis. He was introduced to a wealth of tennis information as a teenager and through decades of deep thought and diversified experiences is now easily one of the best tennis teachers in the US.

Please connect with Jeff by following him at jefflewistennis.com and victorytennisprograms.com. Also, visit his YouTube channel and Instagram at youtube.com/jefflewistennis and instagram.com/jefflewistennis. Laughing and learning are guaranteed.

On the 212th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Richard Bodian.

In 1981, Steve designed and directed (Tennis Tech) the first comprehensive curriculum and college degree program for students seeking occupational competency as tennis-teaching pro-managers. Richard enrolled, graduated, and entered the tennis industry with an education that only a small percentage of the worldwide tennis community truly understands.

In addition to working at various tennis facilities on the east and west coast of the US, Richard also worked for Steve and the late Vic Braden. By listening one will discover that the bond between Steve, Richard, and other members of the GreatBase Tennis network is based on fact-based instruction. Their dialogue reveals tennis truths and reinforces fundamental principles.

Richard currently works at the New Canaan Racquet Club in New Canaan, Connecticut.

On the 211th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast, Steve Smith has a conversation with Mike Valentine and Mike McLaughlin. The three old men all worked for the late Vic Braden.

Mike and Mike recently made the journey to the Wintergreen Resort in Wintergreen, Virginia to observe and contribute to Steve's students. They left assured that Steve and his students are still honoring the work of the late Vic Braden.

The trio reminisce and reflect upon the genius of Braden. By listening, one is assured of laughing and learning.

The life story of Arnaud Guillemard is definitely different. Be ready to go from island living to Paris, college tennis to the oil fields, education to being a young parent, and directing junior and high school tennis tournaments.

Arnaud is Steve Smith's guest on the 210th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast. Ironically 210 is the area code of San Antonio, Texas, the place where Arnaud resides with his wife and two children.

By listening one will collect more golden nuggets for their tennis treasure chest. Just as important as the pearls of wisdom learned from life lessons are the laughs enjoyed and the perspectives gained.

Thanks for listening.

Melanie Zampardo is Steve Smith's guest on the 209th episode of the GreatBase Tennis podcast. She spent nine weeks this summer, 2024, serving as an intern. She survived.

Decades ago, Steve was told by an experienced tennis-lifer that if one could complete the challenges of a 24/7 boarding tennis camp that he or she would have proven that they could successfully make their way within the tennis industry.

By listening to the episode at hand, one will discover more of an insider's understanding of the GreatBase Tennis pathway. More importantly, one will find Melanie's approach to learning and overall perspective to be refreshing and inspiring. The next generation of tennis teachers and coaches need to be taught and trained for the welfare and growth of our sport.