Gene Autry Tennis Pros

Jim McHugh started coaching tennis in 1983.  He had just completed a hitch hiking trip to Fairbanks, Alaska and realized the conventional career path might not be his path.

Working with juniors and adults through Kiwanis Tennis Center in Tempe, Jim became certified with the United States Professional Tennis Association in 1990 as a P-1 level pro.

To enhance is knowledge base and professional skills, Jim became a Certified Stringer with the United States Stringers Association in 1989.  To date he has strung in excess of 10,000 racquets, all one at a time.  He is currently the stringer of record for Gene Autry Tennis Center.

In 1992 he began coaching high school tennis teams with the Gilbert Unified School District.  The first two years of this period he was with the Gilbert HS boys' team and the last 16 years he has coached the terrific girls' Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman team at Highland High School.

Around ten years ago, Jim began working out of Gene Autry Tennis Center.  With Tom Kenney as manager, Jim has coached clinics for Juniors as young as 7 years old and other clinics for very mature adults.

In addition to his clinic, high school and string duties, Jim maintains an active private lesson schedule.  Individuals or small groups interested in "fast tracking" their learning experience may contact him directly at 480-838-5828.