Overcoming Obstacles: Danzeisen's Coaching Triumphs

Jen Danzeisen has been the coach of the Palmerton Tennis Team for seven years. She is essential to the team, and watches new faces come and go every year. Through her seven years, she has inspired, taught, and grown alongside with the team.

This may seem like an easy job, teach the kids how to play tennis, and let them play. However, it is quite the opposite. Many challenges come along with this job. After replacing the previous coach, Mr. Knoll, Danzeisen struggled to get the already experienced players to open up to her. They had been used to Mr. Knoll’s teaching styles, and Danzeisen was often compared to him, making her job even harder. Despite this challenge, she showed the players who she was, and they loved her.

Another struggle that comes with coaching the team is the fact that it is co-ed, meaning that both boys and girls can be on the team. Most schools do not have this option, so at times, the Palmerton girls must compete against guys. Many of the guys on the other teams can be very disrespectful to the girls, and Danzeisen struggles to watch this. “I always made sure I stood up for my team members and addressed the kids who were cursing or saying things to my players.” She is always there to stand up for her players and offer a helping hand.

One of the biggest issues was the lack of experience in the team. Many new players came in never having played tennis or heard of the rules. The rich schools even have private coaches and kids who have been playing their whole life and train over the summer. Although Danzeisen has been playing since she was young, she “didn't have the advanced skill sets to work with the higher seeded students but learned over time to recognize strengths and weaknesses.” She is always ready to adapt and learn with the team.

Having such a short season, Danzeisen also struggles with getting practices in. Since it is a spring sport, the weather can sometimes be against her. Over the years, the number of matches required for season has decreased, making it much easier to fit practices in. When practices got rained out the quick thinking coach decided to host practices at local elementary school, SS Palmer’s, gym. This was difficult since it is a very small gym. Danzeisen had to adapt and find new drills that could be done in such an environment, but she made it work. 

Although the struggles seem overwhelming, Danzeisen would not trade away her team. “I enjoy watching them laugh and have fun and I love seeing them when they win a match.” Many team members feel inspired by Danzeisen and her love of the sport, her school district, and her players.