Note: Make sure you are at least 18 years old and enjoy. Remember: Love means nothing to a tennis player. Sorry about that. Slickman
Steve read the notice on the College Bulletin Board:
"GIRLS TENNIS COACH WANTED. MUST HAVE COLLEGE TENNIS EXPERIENCE. CONTACT THE ATHLETIC OFFICE."
Steve had just separated from his wife of two years Julie who had moved quickly up the corporate ladder and spent more time at work than she did at home. Her business trips lasted for weeks and the longer they were separated the more distant in their relationship they had become. Besides, most of her trips were with her young boss, Bill who was single and very handsome. Steve suspected their relationship was more than just business but he could not prove it.
Julie swore she had not done anything wrong and begged him to give their marriage another try. Steve just couldn't do it. They agreed to separate for three months, which meant no personal relationships with anyone else during that time. Steve was looking for something to keep his mind active. Being a girl's tennis coach just might be the cure?
The season was less than two weeks away and the athletic director Ann Corbett was getting desperate to find a coach. The job paid very little money and usually meant long hours after school and travel on long bus trips. The only candidate was not close to what she wanted. So, when Steve walked in her face lit up.
"Hi. I'm interested in the girl's tennis coaching position." Steve said holding his hand out to greet Ann.
"Great. I'm Ann Corbett, the athletic director. Have you read the requirements?"
"Yes. I played college tennis at State. I was runner up NCAA men's champ about 8 years ago. That was before I busted up my knee. But, I can still play tennis, just not competitively." He said quickly.
"You have seen the pay and the amount of time expected?" She asked.
"Sure. No problem there. I have a lot of extra time now and pay is not what's motivating me to want to coach." He said.
"May I ask why you have so much time?" She asked anyway.
"Sure. It's no secret. I've recently separated from my wife. Tennis will keep me busy." He smiled.
Ann smiled as well. Steve was a very nice looking man. His dark hair and trim body would be a pleasant addition to her coaching staff. Ann had recently divorced herself so she knew what he was going through.
"I've recently divorced myself." She said. "Worst six years of my life."
"Sorry." Steve added. "Thanks." She said.
"Why don't you leave me some references and the information on your college tennis and I should have them checked by this time tomorrow. From what you have told me I think you are what we are looking for. However, I have to go through the motions you know?" She smiled.
"No problem. I'll stop by tomorrow." He smiled back.
"I don't anticipate any problems so why don't you come prepared to meet the ladies on the team. We have to move quickly because we only have a couple of weeks." Ann said.
They shook hands and Steve completed the reference list. He went to the library and did some research on tennis basics. He knew how to play but was unsure how and in what order he should present the basics.
Ann found all of his references satisfactory and no one said anything negative about him. She was ready to offer him the job as he walked into the gym the next day.
Steve was nervous as he walked into the gym. He noticed a bunch of young girls gathered on one side of the bleachers and Ann standing in front of them. Evidently, he was the new coach.
"Steve." Ann said as she turned to watch him walk across the gym floor. Steve glanced at the young women and noticed they were all smiling. Steve had just turned 29 years old and he imagined most of these girls were between 19 and 22.
"I guess you can tell we are ready to offer you the coaching job?" Ann said hoping he had not changed his mind.
"Great. I accept." He said with a big smile. The girls suddenly all clapped their hands. No only did they finally get a coach they got one that was good looking as well. They did notice he was wearing a wedding band.
Steve's job allowed him to work at home on the computer so he could work around his tennis coaching needs. He introduced himself and told them about his college tennis career and being runner up to the national champion. He knew it made a big difference to the girls knowing he was a very good player himself.
At the end of his history speech he opened himself for questions. A small dark hair girl raised her hand. "Yes? Please tell me your name so I can start getting to know you." He said.
"My name is Samantha and I want to know if you are really married?" She smiled.
Steve looked at Ann. "Let's not get too personal." Ann answered for him.
"No. That's OK. I expect my players to be honest with me so I need to be the same." He said seriously. "I'm separated from my wife at the moment."
"So, we have a chance?" Samantha laughed. Steve had to laugh himself. "You have a chance to be a player on our team. That's it." He laughed.
Another girl with short blonde hair held up her hand. "Toni. Are you going to have try outs?"
"Gosh. I've not thought about that. How many players do we normally carry?" He asked Ann.
"I believe we have had around 15 in the past. Some will be on the taxi squad or reserve list." Ann answered.
Steve counted the girls and came up with 10. "Was everyone here on the team last year?"
"Yes." A tall girl with red hair answered. "My name is Tamara." She said. Steve could see she was not only tall she was stacked. He had to look away to keep from staring at her chest.
"OK. We don't have much time so we need to put up a notice for tryouts." Steve said.
"I'll do it." Another girl on the front row said. This girl wore no make-up and her hair was a mess. She wore baggy clothes that completely hid her body. "And, you are?" Steve asked.
"Dana." She answered. "I 'm the team manager and I work in the athletic office part time so I have access to the computers and paper."