Game, Set, Match: How My Sabbatical Year Drew Parallels Between Tennis and Academic Coaching
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Game, Set, Match: How My Sabbatical Year Drew Parallels Between Tennis and Academic Coaching

This past year, my husband and I took a breather, a sabbatical. Our grand scheme? Tackle some lingering manuscripts, stir up new research collaborations, and squeeze in some precious family time. As part of our adventure, we hopped across three distinct areas, spanning two countries - the vast landscapes of Canada and the vibrant culture of Spain.


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Now, here's where it gets interesting. My 13-year-old son, a budding tennis enthusiast, found himself navigating through an array of tennis coaches, each bringing their unique flair to the court. As his mother and an academic career coach, I couldn't help but observe the striking parallels between his experiences on the tennis court and the experiences of those whom I mentor in academia.

 

The Role of a Coach in Tennis

Although tennis is fundamentally a solo sport, with the player alone on the court, serving the ball, and facing the adversary, it's underpinned by a collective effort. This effort is symbolized by the deep connection between the player and their coach, who is instrumental in the player's skill development, strategic planning, and emotional stability.

Throughout our sabbatical year, the importance of a coach in my son's tennis journey became increasingly evident. Each coach, with their unique perspective, enriched his game with distinct insights. An example of this was when two of his coaches suggested an adjustment to his grip to improve his ball spin, a small change that yielded considerable results. This experience underscored the role of coaches in providing essential guidance and support, irrespective of the player's expertise level.

 

Parallels with Academic Coaching

In many ways, academic coaching mirrors the coach-player relationship in tennis. An academic coach is a supportive partner to scholars at all stages of their careers, from graduate students to experienced professors and postdoctoral researchers. Their support spans active listening, joint problem-solving, and resource and advice provision. Their ultimate goal is to ensure the academic, although essentially working individually, never feels isolated in their journey.

 

The Necessity of a Growth Mindset

In both tennis and academia, maintaining a growth mindset is crucial. This mindset fosters the belief that continual improvement is achievable through persistent effort and resilience. It is the coach's role to instill this belief in both the tennis player and the academic, encouraging them to improve their skills. Constructive feedback and continuous encouragement are integral to tennis and academic coaching. They boost self-improvement and personal development, whether it's perfecting a tennis stroke or refining an academic paper.

 

The Value of Mentorship

Mentorship instills increased confidence, resilience, and a broader perspective on one's potential. It's a long-term investment that pays dividends in the form of personal and professional growth. My son's diverse coaching experiences this year reflect the value of mentorship. It was challenging, but the resilience he developed and the insights he gained were invaluable.

 

So, whether you're trading volleys on a tennis court or battling theories in academia, remember that coaching is a game-changer. It nurtures growth, builds resilience, and paves the way for success.


Hi! I'm Dr. Marina Silva-Opps. If you're hungry for more insights on time management, productivity, and personal development, visit my LinkedIn profile and website, where you can explore a wealth of additional content. And remember, I'm here to help!


#academiccoaching #tenniscoach #tennis #mindset #growthmindset #academicsuccess #professorlife #drmarinasilvaopps #sabbatical #sabbaticalyear

Kimberly Rideout

Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Get GameFace

1y

Amazing!! We are PERFECT for Tennis and getting coaches and their athletes to the next level worldwide.....we should to talk!! :) @GetGameFace! :) :)

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