Coach Spotlight: Susan Nardi – What Makes a Tennis Pro Stand Out?
Following a recent poll in our private SPC Coaches Group, Susan Nardi’s Coach Spotlight was voted the number-one blog coaches wanted to see again. Originally published in March 2017, we’re delighted to repost it here in full, celebrating one of the most timeless and practical spotlights we’ve ever featured.
With over 30 years of coaching experience across the US, Susan Nardi has become a standout voice in the tennis community. In this coach spotlight, she reveals how personal branding, social media presence, and a well-crafted SPC profile page transformed her career and opened doors to new opportunities.
Q: You are Director of Tennis at East Lake Woodlands Country Club! How did you hear about the opening, and what made you apply?
A: I first heard about the position from a friend at a sister property. He was asked who he would recommend for the role and immediately thought of me. He reached out and said, “I’ve recommended you for a job that’s about ten minutes from mine — I think you’d be perfect for it.”
What’s funny is that we only met through the Competitive Tennis Coaches (CTC) Forum that Wes Fuller created. Social media brought us together, we connected professionally, and that connection led to an incredible job opportunity. I’m extremely grateful — it’s a great reminder of how powerful online networking can be.
Q: What did you do to get yourself known and build your reputation?
A: Social media has played a huge part in getting my name out there. I make sure I come across as positive, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable in every forum I’m part of. I contribute to discussions on platforms like the CTC Forum, and I’ve always been very intentional about my personal brand — how I present myself and the image I want to project.
I’ve been in the industry for 30 years now, and moving around the U.S. — the East Coast, Hilton Head, Southern California, Dallas, and Houston — has helped. But ultimately, it’s about who you are online and how consistently you show up with valuable insight and good energy.
Q: Your SPC profile page is one of the most-viewed on the entire SPC website. What makes it stand out, and what are your tips for other coaches?
A: My SPC profile has been one of my favourite projects. During my interview process for East Lake Woodlands, the page did a lot of the talking for me — especially when I wasn’t on the phone or available in person. It gave them a clear sense of who I am and what I represent.
My advice to other coaches is simple:
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Think carefully about the image you want to portray.
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Personalise your page with photos and videos that genuinely represent your coaching.
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If writing isn’t your strength, get your bio professionally done. It makes a difference.
I’m lucky to have a close friend who specialises in this kind of writing — she’s incredible at capturing who I am in just a few paragraphs.
A common mistake coaches make is thinking the page will work instantly without any effort. It won’t. You need to promote it:
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Add the domain to your business cards
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Put it in your email signature
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Share it on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn
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Mention it in coaching forums
I even included my “Pre-Tennis Skills DVD” video on the page so people can see exactly what I offer.
If you market it consistently — even 10–15 minutes a week — the page will absolutely work for you.
Q: Why should coaches who don’t have a SPC profile page consider getting one?
A: Because it’s one of the best marketing tools a tennis coach can have. Even if you already have your own website, an SPC profile page gives you something different: a clear, polished, professional snapshot of who you are as a coach.
Most coaches have websites they can’t update. The SPC pages let you make quick changes yourself — a huge advantage when you’re applying for jobs, building visibility, or reaching new clients. Your page becomes a platform that speaks for you.
The setup is fast — just over an hour — and the weekly maintenance is minimal. But the return is massive.
Q: You have over 2,500 hits on your webpage — more than any other coach. How did you achieve that?
A: By marketing it intentionally. I want my page to speak for me when someone isn’t ready to call or email. It’s an efficient way for directors, clubs, or clients to understand who I am immediately.
I share it everywhere — on business cards, Facebook, X, LinkedIn — and I include the link in every email I send. These small habits add up quickly.
And the truth is: we’re all running a business. Coaches sometimes forget that. Setting aside even a little time each week to build your brand goes a long way.
Q: What exciting plans do you have for your role, and where would you like to take tennis at East Lake Woodlands?
A: Right now, I’m focusing on improving the courts, tightening up processes, and strengthening communication across the team and community. My goal is to project a positive, welcoming image that encourages people to visit and engage with the club.
We’re working on better systems for communicating events, lessons, clinics, and drills. And yes — there will be plenty of new, exciting events and social opportunities. But the foundation is enthusiasm, clarity, and consistent communication.
Q: Tell us a little about the club itself. Do you see yourself growing further there?
A: East Lake Woodlands is an amazing facility with 17 courts — 14 clay and 3 hard courts. Behind the pro shop is the Crossroads Café, which offers sandwiches, a bar, and a great social environment. On the other side is a pool area with three pools, a Splash Zone, and a mini Putt-Putt area.
The whole resort is perfectly set up for social events. My goal is to elevate those experiences and create more opportunities for members to connect throughout the year.
Q: Who has influenced you most in your career?
A: Many incredible people have shaped who I am today — Oscar Wegner, Dennis Van Der Meer, Dave Smith, Pam Austin, and Alec Horton, to name a few.
I had the privilege of working closely with Walter Siegel, whose vision was inspiring. Helen Duncan from the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce taught me the realities of business, and my friends Diana Bell and Heather Donaldson have been phenomenal marketing influences.
But my deepest gratitude goes to my parents, my oldest sister, and my Aunt Doris. They’ve supported me unconditionally.
And Sarah Stone — who pushed me, encouraged me, and helped me realise how much more I had to offer. Being part of the WTCA has been incredibly meaningful and continues to inspire me.
Closing
👉 Visit Susan’s Social Tennis page:
https://www.sportsprosconnect.com/susannardi/
👉 Explore other coach profiles:
https://www.sportsprosconnect.com/tennis-coach-directory/search-for-a-coach/?pag=1
👉 Discover more at SportsProsConnect:
Become an SPC member today for access to exclusive jobs, profile support, interviews, and networking with coaches like Susan around the world.https://www.sportsprosconnect.com
👉 Check out Susan’s LinkedIn page:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-nardi-90360b13/
