Coach + Athlete

Roger Smith is not just a colleague, but also a man I am fortunate enough to call one of my very good friends.

Roger is one of the most laid back & fun people to be around. People that are around him truly trust and respect him. He is almost like a pied piper in that when he worked at the training center in Carson, all of the parents, and all of the players just loved working with him: Because you can sense when you are around him that he has such an authentic spirit. He wants to do the best for you, both on the court, and in your life. Just impressive to see the kind of person he is.

Athlete

Roger Smith is one of the most dedicated, hard-working, and inspirational individuals you will ever have the privilege of working with. He takes pride in sharing wisdom that extends beyond the tennis court and helps you to grow as a person. He greets every day with an infectious enthusiasm that makes you excited to tackle the next challenge.

Personally, Roger helped me reach my fullest potential as an athlete, coaching me to a career-high ranking of 68 in the world on the WTA tour. I absolutely attribute my success to his eternally positive attitude, dedication to his craft, and willingness to go the extra mile to help me grow. You do not want to miss an opportunity to work alongside Roger!

Coach + Athlete

“Rog” is the most natural and gifted person I’ve ever met… whatever Roger decides to do, he does so with such ease and grace [on the basketball court, or tennis court]… on the tennis court he has such a big serve, moves so well, hits that hard slider, and the next thing you know he is on top of the net and you are in trouble.

He is the type of guy— perhaps the ‘Bahamian nature’— he is just so relaxed, with such a laugh, and puts everyone in a certain vibe and ease… such fun to be around, and always setting a great tone for everyone. BUT don’t ever mistake that natural tendency for not being competitive. The best players in the world know who Roger Smith is, and how good he is! What he has done, what he has accomplished, is something the country of the Bahamas and the world should celebrate him for. Because he really is a special human, and a special athlete.

Athlete

Roger Smith was there for me when I was making my move from juniors to pro tennis. He reaches you in a way that you get it. He helped get me through my toughest time in my career. Roger is knowledgeable, personable and detail oriented. Everything is customized just for you. I will always be grateful for the positive impact he has made on my professional tennis career.

Parent

Being a tennis parent is not for the faint of heart. At first, you get some tennis lessons for your kid, along with having them involved in a gazillion other sports and activities. But then, the day may come…as I it did for me…when your kid says: “I really like tennis. I want to play tennis seriously.”

My daughter was in kindergarten when that happened. She was taking tennis lessons once a week with a teacher at the school who had to discontinue the lessons because she was injured. And my daughter came home and said: “I want to keep playing tennis. Please find me a good teacher. I want a coach, not a friend.”

My heart stopped. I knew nothing about tennis. Didn’t play the game. And had no idea that I was about to embark on a serious search for a good tennis coach.

It took THREE years to find out what makes a good coach. Who can build strong basic strokes and teach strategy and coach mental toughness. Someone who is kind and strict at the same time. Who makes demands but also encourages and builds confidence. Someone who understands the game totally. And is current with how the game shifts and changes with new technologies and new playing strategies. And then when I knew what to look for, it was a few more years to find that person.

And now, I’m going to save you all that trouble. ROGER SMITH. That’s the guy you want. That’s the coach you want for your kid. Sure, Roger was an all-star tennis player at The Ohio State, and sure he nestled in the top 100 players on the pro tour, and sure he coached many many famous players. But that’s not what makes Roger so special. What makes him special is that he coaches the entire person…physically, mentally, emotionally. Your kid may never turn pro, but the lessons learned from Roger Smith on his court will serve your child immensely in the Game of Life.

My only regret about Roger Smith is that I didn’t find him even earlier. So, please hear what I’m saying. Roger Smith is the best developmental coach on the planet!

Athlete

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Roger Smith for about ten years now. I’ve had the honor of being coached by Roger, and gained some of the knowledge that he has for the game.

Some of my first memories with Roger are going to the Bahamas with him for a couple Junior ITF tournaments. And at that time, those were a few of my first international tournaments.

If you know Roger, you know he is coming at you with the questions! Before matches he is asking what the game plan is, and making sure all is crystal clear. Afterwards, he is going to dissect the match with you.

Now that I have graduated college, and I’ve been put on a pro tour, I often think back to those memories being in the car, going to and from tournaments, and he would be asking me these questions. In those moments, I’m not sure I understood what those questions were, but now looking back and reflecting, I am able to realize just how much knowledge there was in those moments, and how much perspective Roger was trying to give me from every angle to understand the game as best as I could, and help me succeed.

Having known Roger for several years now, of course I continue to learn from him as a coach, but he is so invested in you as a person. So he has really just become family. I know that whatever time zone he may be in, I can call or text to ask questions, and for that I am forever grateful.

As Roger likes to say, he went to THE Ohio State University, so I am fortunate & thrilled to continue to learn from THE Roger Smith.

Coach + Athlete

It took me some time to really develop as a player. I didn’t benefit from just intensity on the court like others did (as even my brother did).

Three things I learned and found most beneficial to me, in managing my performance and time were:

1- having coach’s support— emotionally! Not just support on the court. I needed that backing from my coach throughout my life and day to day.

2- having good relationships outside of the court… with my friends, and in my classes stability, etc.

3- having the ability to go out and perform and play without any expectations on myself. Play as many matches as I can, without having the added pressure to do well.

Coach + Athlete

Working with Roger is the most structured and organized coach experience I’ve ever been through. He does work on all aspects of the game— not only the technical and physical, but also the mental and emotional. We are always working on and off court on it too. He calls himself a life-coach too, so I do feel like I have a life mentor as well, when I’m going about my tennis life and my regular life too: It’s really a very wholesome experience.

One of the aspects I’ve really taken to heart from his coaching has been “spreading and sending your blessings.” I think in such an individual sport, we are always trying to hold on to our gifts, our secrets, and everything we have because we want ourselves to succeed. Naturally this sport’s environment is such a selfish place—but I’ve also learned that we can still feed that void, and still spread and send it to others and give back. It has encouraged me to get more involved in my community: back at USC (where I used to train), the running community in my neighborhood, incorporating my sponsors into outreach I do… just spreading our blessings and access to certain things that perhaps the average person in our community doesn’t have.

I see roger as a spiritual, emotional, and mental leader, as well as a physical coach. There are certain times when faced with challenges anywhere from making tournament choices to life choices, that Roger helps me gain new positive perspectives. He uplifts me, and calms concerns, as well as directly guides me with perspectives that allow me to live life with a bit more freedom and great outlook.

Coach + Athlete

"Roger was an incredible influence on me as a player but more importantly as a person.

While his coaching helped me on court, it was the positive outlook that he brought to life that had the most effect on me. My times with Roger were the best times of my career!"

Coach + Athlete

With the recent crowning of UCLA women’s tennis 2023 NCAA division 1 singles champion Tian Fangran, I just want to give much gratification to coaches Stella Sampras Webster and Rance Brown for believing and trusting in me and allowing me to be a part of this great tradition! It was an honor to have assist with this year’s successful performances of both the team and individual NCAA Championships. So Grateful to have had this opportunity to make an impact on the game and players we love.

I MUST also first give the glory to God and his Blessings to the man that I have learnt it all from, my dad Roger “Coach Slinger “ Smith. Thank you dad for your wisdom that you have bestowed on me, the discipline that you constantly preach and all the ‘Rogerisms’ that you continue to pour into me. The Coach Slinger coaching methods are proven valuable both on and off the court. There is never a minute when I’m playing or coaching that those tunes are not heard. I will carry this with me in all my future endeavors! I just want everyone to know that it 100% works!!! I love you Dad, always and forever!!

I am thrilled to share my testimonial about Coach Roger "Slinger" Smith's remarkable 3-day consulting visit to the Pete Brown Jr Tennis Program at Harvard Park Tennis Center in LA. This transformative event left an indelible mark on the participating Jr Tennis players, profoundly enhancing their understanding of the game and their personal growth.

Coach Slinger's expertise and dedication were evident from the moment he stepped onto the court. His unique approach went beyond technical skills, diving deep into the mental and psychological aspects of tennis. Throughout the three days, Coach Slinger guided our young athletes on a journey of self-discovery, helping them identify their purpose both on and off the court.

The impact of Coach Slinger's coaching style was astonishing. He skillfully connected with each player, creating an environment of trust and open communication. This allowed the players to explore their strengths and weaknesses without fear, leading to remarkable breakthroughs in their game. The focus on the mental aspects of tennis was particularly enlightening, helping our players gain a competitive edge by sharpening their mental resilience, focus, and strategic thinking.

As a result of Coach Slinger's visit, our Jr Tennis players have not only become better athletes but also more well-rounded individuals. The insights gained during those three days have extended far beyond the tennis court, helping them navigate challenges and opportunities in all facets of life. Their newfound confidence, self-awareness, and determination are a testament to the profound impact of Coach Slinger's guidance.

In summary, Coach Roger "Slinger" Smith's 3-day consulting visit to the Pete Brown Jr Tennis Program was an absolute game-changer. The emphasis on purpose, mental fortitude, and holistic growth has elevated our players to new heights. We are immensely grateful for Coach Slinger's expertise, passion, and commitment to nurturing both exceptional athletes and outstanding individuals. Without a doubt, this experience will continue to resonate positively in the lives of our young athletes for years to come.