On January 21, USTA Eastern will honor 28 volunteers, tennis pros, players and organizations at its Annual Awards Dinner at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in White Plains. Among those being honored are Michael, Kris, Allie and Noah Starke of Binghamton, NY, who are being honored as USTA Eastern Tennis Family of the Year. We asked Michael, who owns the Binghamton Tennis Center, how he learned to play tennis, how his family is involved in the sport and what his goals are for the future.
Can you tell us about the members of your family and how they are each involved in tennis?
My wife Kris started playing after we began dating. She is now a solid 3.5 player (a 10 in my book) and very active in USTA adult leagues as a player and captain. Kris plays more tennis than I do these days. She is also the Pro Shop Manager at the Binghamton Tennis Center. Kris loves tennis. The Tennis Channel wins out over ESPN when she has the clicker.
Allie, my oldest, is 17 and a senior in high school. She plans to play Division III tennis. Allie is ranked USTA Eastern player (#100 Girls 18’s) and has qualified for the Girls High School State Championships the past two years in singles. Allie helps out at the club working the desk and teaching 10 and Under Tennis. Allie has also spent countless hours volunteering at our local USTA Pro Circuit event, the $50,000 LG&T Tennis Challenger. She has met many of her good friends though tennis, both locally and regionally. Allie has a great sense of sportsmanship and fair play.
Noah takes tennis purely on his own terms. He didn’t really begin to play until a few years ago, and while claiming tennis is just a hobby, he is getting pretty decent. He is the exact opposite on the court than his sister: consistent, aloof, and oblivious to the pressure. The pros have nicknamed him “The Wall.” Noah is 14, in eighth grade, and hopes to play varsity this spring.
When did you first start playing tennis? How did it become a part of your life?
I started playing at age 7 when my father took up the game. Like father like son. Tennis naturally became a part of my life. From playing competitive tennis as a junior on the USTA Eastern circuit, playing in college, teaching during summer months at tennis camps to settling in the tennis business as a profession. I think growing up during the famous tennis boon played a role.
The most important factor perhaps was my father being such a tennis enthusiast. He was so involved in local tennis. He purchased a two-court tennis bubble in 1972 and developed an indoor/outdoor tennis facility. He was very creative about promoting tennis and getting the public hooked on playing. Dad has a love and passion for the game. He brought professional tennis to Binghamton between 1966 to 1969, with the “Masters” tournament in which all the greats played, including Rod Laver. I still have the trophy with the winners names engraved. I remember being a ball boy for Pancho Segura and Pancho Gonzalez and greatly upsetting the “Lion”. The other Pancho Segura befriended me and eventually invited me out to his place in La Costa. I have fond memories of going with my Dad to Forest Hills when the US Open was held there. Thanks to my Dad, tennis was always a part of my life.
Did you teach your children how to play? Why do you think they have gained from the sport?
Yes and no. Being a teaching pro/manager/club owner, I know how difficult it can be to teach your own children. I have witnessed many unhealthy parent/child tennis relationships. I play a role in both of my kids’ tennis development (and pay some price!) but I let other pros handle the task of teaching tennis to Noah and Allie. Both Noah and Allie have developed good relationships with my pros, who have had a very positive effect on my kids. The formula has worked out well.
The children have gained what everyone else gains from the sport. They have learned to compete, problem solve, strong work ethic, good sportsmanship, team camaraderie and how to get along with others. They have developed confidence, as well. I think they both very much enjoy tennis, separate and apart from their Dad’s enjoyment, which is difficult to accomplish.
How do you feel about your family receiving the award?
For me, this is a lifetime achievement award. All previous individual tennis awards pale in comparison. It is an award I never thought I would receive, and one I am very honored to receive.
What is your most important goal for 2012 and why?
While I don’t set yearly goals, I want to continue to contribute to the game of tennis locally, be a supportive member of my community, grow as a person and be a good father and husband.
The dinner marks the end of USTA Eastern’s Annual Meeting and Volunteer Development Workshop, January 20-21, 2012. The meeting this year will feature sessions on grant writing, running USTA sanctioned tournaments and teaching 10 and Under Tennis. There will also be opportunities for participants to network with other volunteers, instructors and providers throughout the section. To register for the meeting or support these awardees at the dinner, click here.