Courtside … With Jen Brown, Club Director, Midtown Tennis Club
The New York tennis landscape is always growing and evolving. There are a myriad of options both indoors and outdoors for a local tennis player to choose from. So how does a successful tennis entity separate themselves? How does a successful club increase their player base and continue to grow? New York Tennis Magazine sat down with Jen Brown, club director at Midtown Tennis Club, to get her thoughts on the industry, her tennis background and what makes Midtown Tennis Club a staple in the Big Apple.
How did you begin working in the tennis industry? Do you have a background in the sport?
I started working in the tennis industry in high school as an assistant tennis pro at a private club in New Jersey. I taught lessons to children, maintained the clay courts, arranged matches, and ran the pro shop. I loved tennis from an early age and it came very naturally to me. I played high school tennis and then moved on to Ithaca College where I played on the team. While studying for a business degree, the Sports School approached me about a degree in Sports Management. I was among the first graduating class of students to get this degree from Ithaca College.
After college, I moved on to New York City where I interned at Madison Square Garden with a sports marketing firm, Sports Etcetera, who hosted the Virginia Slims Championships. This tennis tournament, which is no longer in existence, was the culmination of the women’s tour. The top 16 women competed at Madison Square Garden and it was a very exciting time.
When did you start working at Midtown Tennis Club?
After a year of interning, I started playing tennis at Midtown Tennis Club. My brother and I would meet there after work. We really fell in love with the Club. It was very friendly and comfortable, and of course, we loved the Har-Tru courts. I was interviewing for jobs, and my brother suggested that I look into Midtown for a part-time job until I found a full-time gig. There was an opening at the front desk and I started there at the end of 1992. Twenty-three-years later, I rose through the ranks to become director of the Club and am still loving tennis and Midtown.
Midtown Tennis Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. What has changed at the Club over that time and what are you most proud of?
The Club has undergone some major transformations over the past few years. We have made many improvements to the facility, including new locker rooms, court renovations, a new bubble and heating system. We have also become the premier spot for recreational junior tennis since our partnership was formed with John Curtis and The Manhattan Tennis Academy.
How have you maintained success over five decades in an ever-changing industry?
We have continued to grow with the trends, but have also kept our business practices simple. Junior tennis is important to the growth of the sport, and we have really focused on that part of the business. Remaining flexible and giving client’s options at different price points has worked well for us.
What makes Midtown Tennis Club stand out from the rest of New York’s clubs?
Midtown is a unique place. We attract all different types of players. We are in a great location and easily accessible to all forms of transportation. We do not require membership or commitment, but offer that option if one desires. New Yorkers want options and we can accommodate such options.
What benefits do your members have from playing at a club located in the heart of Manhattan?
Location, location, location … this is very important in Manhattan. When most clubs are feeling a lull midday, we are busy with business professionals, actors, artists and moms that can pop in, play an hour with a pro, take a shower and get back to their busy schedules without the hassle of travel time.
How can you continue to grow participation at Midtown Tennis moving forward?
At this moment, we are growing participation by working with families. Getting the whole family out on the court and offering something for everyone is key. The children participate in the junior program, the moms play after school drop off, and the dads play in the evenings. It is rewarding to see the whole family improving and having fun.
What are your views of the current state of tennis in New York?
Tennis in Manhattan is popular. Children are starting much younger now with the QuickStart programs, and tennis is truly maintaining its reputation as a sport for the ages. The development of the younger player will give them a chance to know a sport for a lifetime.
What do you enjoy most about your job and working at Midtown Tennis?
I love tennis and tennis people. Midtown requires all of the work and diligence of managing and sustaining a business, but for me, it’s a passion and when you are doing what you love, it doesn’t feel like work.
