Coaches are the unsung heroes of sports. In addition to teaching individuals how to play and perfect their crafts, they also teach resilience, grit and growth.

Olga Shaw is a tennis teaching professional at Peakform Sports and Wellness Center in Manhattan, Kan. Originally from the Czech Republic, Shaw started taking tennis lessons when she was 8.

This evolved into a competitive career that took her all across her home country. As a high school senior, she was recruited by Kansas State University to play at the collegiate level.

Upon graduation from Kansas State, Shaw stayed on as a tennis assistant coach. She then met her husband and left Manhattan for stops in Georgia, Alaska and Missouri. Throughout her time in different states, she continued to teach private lessons. After a few years away, Shaw’s family returned to Manhattan, where Shaw joined the facility that eventually became Peakform.

Shaw, a USTA Coaching member, has primarily focused on teaching juniors. She began her career at Peakform in 2023 teaching beginner junior programs. Today, she leads advanced junior classes and Cardio Tennis for all ages.

“I’m especially proud of our junior program and of helping introduce new players to the sport while fostering a lifelong passion for tennis,” she said. “We continually add new programming. Our only real limitation is court space.”

The growth Shaw sees in the players she coaches is a major inspiration for her. It’s one of her favorite aspects about coaching, and it keeps her motivated to continue elevating her craft.

“I love seeing my clients stay active and enjoy the game,” Shaw said. “One of the most rewarding parts of coaching is starting with a complete beginner and developing them into a competitive player.”

As players, techniques and equipment continue to evolve, Shaw believes it’s important for coaches to evolve as well. She said it’s a commitment all coaches should make for the betterment of their players.

“As a coach, you pass on knowledge and help people become involved in something meaningful,” Shaw said. “Tennis is a lifelong sport, and I love being a small part of advancing it. I believe new coaches should intentionally develop their skills.

“We have a real responsibility to help people discover tennis and improve, and that responsibility shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

For Shaw, coaching is far more than just a job. It’s an investment in her clients. She believes coaches owe players their full attention and the best version of themselves.

As for what’s next, Shaw hopes to continue to inspire the next generation of players to elevate their games.

“I’m excited to continue growing the junior program at Peakform,” she said, “and helping more players of all ages fall in love with the game.”