Page 23 - AUGUST2023

August 2023
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
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Sports
gression. They’re happy, and I’m doing something right.”
He travels to professional tournaments all over the U.S. and spends hours there watch- ing the pros practice on the back courts so he can improve his teaching repertoire. While at professional tournaments, he also takes lessons from the pros’ instructors to keep himself sharp. “I love the game. If I’m not play- ing the game, I’m watching it. And if I’m not watching it, I am teaching it. It is pretty much my life now.”
Hayden has been married to his wife, Barbara, for 43 years, and they have two chil- dren. Their daughter Megan and son Christopher live in New Hampshire, and both play tennis. Each has a son, so Hayden and Barbara have grandsons, Liam and Solomon. If you want to learn tennis or think your tennis can improve, you can reach Hayden Roma at haydenroma@yahoo.com.
By leslie sanDerson
What is the opposite of a ba- dass? You could say that Hayden Roma is. Hayden embodies the joy of Newfound Lake in local tennis. Cool and calling you to jump in and enjoy the sport he loves. Just what you might want in a tennis instructor and coach. Whether you are a beginner or have played all your life, you can learn something from Hayden’s positive approach and finely honed teaching skills.
A natural athlete, Hayden started on the basketball courts and baseball fields in Connecti- cut. In 1983, Converse and New Balance sponsored him to play basketball in South Africa. Long story short, he got involved with the American International School of South Africa in Sand- ton. While there, he went to the South African Tennis Open and was awed by pros like Jimmy Connors and Vitas Gerulaitis. They inspired him to apply his
Hayden Roma: A Tennis Superstar
talents to tennis. Having fallen in love with the beauty of New Hampshire while skiing here as a boy, he moved here in 1990 and has built a solid career as a player (USTA Men’s 45 Division - 6th in NH 2013 and Men’s 50 Divi- sion - 48th nationally 2011) and a beloved instructor and coach.
His tennis coaching and in- struction experience is extensive: Head Pro in Lincoln at the Vil- lage of Loon Swim and Tennis Club; InnSeason Resorts; and In-
dian Head Resort; Head Coach, Plymouth Regional H.S. Boy’s Varsity Team; Head Coach, Girl’s Varsity Team, New Hamp- ton School; and Assistant Coach for Plymouth State University’s Women’s Varsity team.
And that’s not all. Working with kids from 5 years old to 80+, Hayden gives private lessons and clinics in Plymouth, Bridgewater, Bristol, Holderness, Lincoln, and pretty much an where there’s a tennis court and willing students.
I met Hayden 6 years ago and was immediately struck by his style of teaching. He has an uncanny ability to give feedback honestly and constructively (and gently). His sense of humor and approachability invite you to ask questions. He uses a combination of teaching techniques to craft an effective and fun lesson. We all have different learning styles like visual, auditory, and kinetic. Hayden’s lessons address these. He explains, demonstrates, and provides individual correction on the spot. He will have you mirror his moves, or stop to think about
what could improve.
He also uses peer coach-
ing so that players encourage each other and reinforce skills they are working on. This tac- tic helps me focus on my own performance while observing and absorbing the techniques of my fellow players. Hayden uses phrases that are easy to re- member, like “go get the ball - don’t let it play you” and “toss the ball in the direction of the post.” These phrases are simple to remember and come to mind quickly at the right moment.
I asked him, “What’s your biggest challenge?” His answer reflects his desire to help as many as he can: “accommodating peo- ple’s schedules - a lot of people want to have lessons early in the morning, so I cannot help every- one I want to.” The best thing in his career? Seeing his students improve. A little girl who started at five years old, keeps returning in the summer and gets better and better. “I love to see that pro-
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