Tennis Channel announces inaugural America's Top Coach contest winners

In celebration of its new TOPSPIN newsletter, the America’s Top Coach contest was launched by Tennis Channel to recognize the most beloved coaches in the U.S. The network is pleased to announce that Jackie Bohannon and John A. Richards III have been selected as the inaugural recipients.

Tennis coaches don’t just teach lessons; they change lives in communities through their racquet sport. In addition to giving their players a fun, healthy on court experience, they often go above and beyond in countless ways. Many engage in fundraising, securing scholarships for their players, volunteering their time for underserved neighborhoods, and offering special programs for veterans, wheelchair or other adaptive players.

Players across America had the opportunity to nominate coaches who make a difference in their lives. The Top 50 were determined by the number of nominations and a panel of Tennis Channel judges. Two voting rounds followed to determine the Top 10 and finally, the men’s and women’s grand prize winners.

Along with TENNIS.com, Bohannon and Richards III will be recognized on Tennis Channel, in TENNIS Magazine, and the TOPSPIN newsletter (click to register). In addition to bragging rights, each will receive a $500 gift card and commemorative Tiffany & Co. crystal tennis ball.

Coaching is an ideal hybrid of Jackie’s two lifelong passions: tennis and helping others. She discovered her passion for coaching while attending Stetson University and began her teaching career with Nike Tennis Camps. Jackie has volunteered & donated lessons, clinics, and equipment to Junior League, Boys & Girls Club, Southside Elementary, Selah Freedom, Operation Kindness benefitting Wounded Warriors, and Save the Seabirds. She tailors her coaching with care to each individual, especially when teaching players with autism, or training an athlete for Special Olympics. She offers free evaluations and socials each week to make it easy and inviting for new players to try tennis and stick with it. Jackie makes sure all of her players, whether competitive or social, have events they can enjoy and always have fun on the court. Certified by USPTA, PTR and Tennis Canada

From programs that introduce tennis to disadvantaged youth, to Special Olympics programs and college placement programs, John’s goal is to grow the game of tennis in all areas. He is Head Tennis Coach of Special Olympics for Orange County, Fla, Boone High School Tennis Coach, and President of Central Florida Tennis Management Associates. He heads the National African American D&I Task force for USPTA and is a member of USTA Florida’s Amplify. This Task Force works to bridge the gap between the African American Community and the game of tennis, through initiatives including career advancement. John especially enjoys his work with The Posh Rock Tennis Foundation, which he created to help change the trajectory of Central Florida youth. Their comprehensive programming promotes physical, educational, and life skills that prepare their players for success. Certified by USPTA