By Tori Townsend

It is not everyday a coach will use their own coaching stipend to pay for the kids they teach. However, in the day to day life of Cara Swonguer, head girls’ and boys’ tennis coach at Clearwater High School in Florida, such a rare act of kindness is common. In fact, her commitment to tennis and indisputable care for her students has directed her to adopt a No-Cut program for her tennis teams. “For me, to give kids the opportunity to play tennis, whether it is on the court or learning in the classroom, I see that as a great opportunity to get these kids to play tennis and have a good time,” she said. “And hopefully, these kids will continue to play the sport after I am done teaching them.”

This is the first year Cara has adopted a no-cut policy, and although it is overwhelming at times, her inner energizer bunny spirit will never stop going. “I try to work with all the kids and give everyone the opportunity to play,” she passionately explained. “I truly have a great group of kids and I feel very blessed and lucky to work with them.”

Twenty one out of her 22 players this year will letter in tennis, and all will receive some type of reward at the end of the season. She has personally donated her time putting together photo albums and picture frames for her players, and has set-up car washes to help raise money for the team’s expenses. Cara admits she could not have done this alone.

“I would have to say that if I was coaching any other sport I would not get any help or support from an outside source to purchase equipment, go to trainings, and receive financial support,” she said. “I have to thank the USTA for being very supportive and also Advantage Yours, who donates t-shirts and restrings our racquets for free.”

When asked what keeps her motivated to keep promoting tennis? She simply responded, “Because I love the kids and I love the sport. I instill in my lessons that tennis is a lifetime sport, and when the kids’ see me enjoying tennis, it definitely rubs off on them.”