A month ago, I drove past Vicksburg’s tennis courts and caught a glimpse of Scott Wills conducting tennis camp. He was a vision of red and orange, serving ball after ball, keeping the campers hustling, rewarding them with lots of banter and encouragement.
I parked and walked to stand and watch at the fence.
“Way to go, buddy!” he shouts, high-fiving the smallest camper for a shot over the net. He is a combination of the Energizer Bunny and Ted Lasso, with some of Coach John Wooden sprinkled in.
He is fun. Fully present. On fire!
He runs a strong, predictable program. “I try to run tennis camp the same way I ran my classroom, which was through structure, routines, and using every possible minute of class time.”
He radiates positivity, and his sincere love of the game and of people is contagious.
He sets a high standard for himself.
He knows every camper’s name by the end of the first day. He has regular contests. He keeps them moving. Campers sign up year after year, and former campers now bring their children. He is a legend.
“When I began at teaching at Vicksburg High School, I couldn’t believe my luck. I was set up for success, working in the business department with the likes of Dot Blessing, Frank Holmes, and Kim Lathwell. They were amazing.” Yes, they were, but Scott’s commitment to the craft is also impressive.
Scott taught at VHS for 25 years, coached girls’ tennis for twelve and boys’ tennis for seventeen. For the last nine years he has been a work-based learning coordinator with Kalamazoo RESA. I can only imagine how his sincerity and dedication are impacting his jobsite visits with employers and young students.
After thirty-four years, he still loves running the summer tennis camps and credits others for most of the success. “To be very clear, what really makes the summer tennis program work is all of the amazing volunteers and support from the district.”
Scott appreciates all the help. Former players, current players, even some former students appear courtside to lend a hand.
He has two clear goals for tennis camp: “The first is to have fun and the second is to improve as a tennis player.”
He admits the excessive heat this summer has been hard and questioned his fatigue after mornings in the sun. “Coach, it’s not just you, I’m hot and tired, too,” said one of his high school volunteers. Scott found that comforting!
Scott feels fortunate to still have the opportunity and ability to work with young athletes.
“I’ll keep doing this as long as the district will let me.”
Adam Brush, Vicksburg High School principal, knows Scott and the program well. “For many years, Coach Wills has done far more than teach tennis; he has inspired a genuine love for the game. My kids have always looked forward to his camps because every day is filled with energy, encouragement, and fun while building skills and confidence.”
Coach Scott Wills, may you continue for many more years! You and your program are gems!
It’s a Fine Life
