It’s only 8:00 AM, and the day is already in full swing at JTCC, a leading tennis academy. For someone deeply involved in the world of tennis and travel, this feeling of a packed day is a familiar one. Balancing roles as General Manager of Player Development at JTCC, USTA Board Member, founding partner of Atlas Tennis, and family commitments is demanding but incredibly rewarding. This busy life, rooted in a lifelong journey with tennis, travel, and meaningful connections, highlights the profound impact these experiences have had.
Tennis in the Alps
A stunning alpine landscape serves as the backdrop for a tennis court, emphasizing the unique and picturesque locations possible for tennis travel trips.
From childhood, tennis was more than just a game; it was a passion. The journey from simply enjoying the sport to realizing its vast potential has been transformative. Looking back, the path has been paved with experiences that have shaped personal growth and opened doors to diverse opportunities. The journey started with a love for tennis but quickly expanded through the influence of family values that emphasized education and, crucially, exploring the world. Travel was not just a vacation; it was an integral part of growing up, with every holiday spent in a new country. This early exposure to different cultures laid the foundation for understanding the world in a broader context.
At the age of 11, this commitment to global exposure took a significant step with enrollment in a Swiss boarding school. This wasn’t just an academic pursuit; it was an immersion into a new world, with tennis as a familiar anchor. The opportunity to train and compete in a new environment was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The boarding school experience was British, yet the student body was incredibly diverse, with peers from around the globe, many of whom didn’t speak English. This unique setting became an unexpected lesson in non-verbal communication. Navigating unfamiliar foods and adapting to playing on red clay for the first time were just some of the initial challenges. Sitting in the dorm room, surrounded by the unfamiliar, was the first deep dive into embracing discomfort and understanding the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to truly grow.
This European chapter represents just one facet of the rich tapestry of growth woven through tennis, travel, cultural immersion, and the relationships forged along the way. Being immersed in a new country during formative teenage years accelerated personal development in profound ways. Exposure to different players, coaches, and playing surfaces was pivotal for tennis development, paving the way for collegiate and professional aspirations. However, beyond the court, the personal growth experienced during these Tennis Travel Trips has been the most enduring and impactful life lesson.
Growing up as a first-generation immigrant instilled an inherent understanding of the value of cultural awareness. The Swiss experience amplified this understanding exponentially, exposing a young mind to a global perspective. Interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds became natural, fostering the ability to connect with new people and leverage tennis as a universal language. Tennis became a bridge, transcending cultural differences and fostering connections based on shared passions and goals.
Megan on the red clay
An action shot of a female tennis player on a red clay court, highlighting the dynamic and athletic aspects of tennis within a European setting.
Regardless of different languages, cuisines, or music preferences, the common thread of striving for excellence created an immediate bond. This shared pursuit became the foundation for deeper connections, leading to lasting friendships and relationships that are still cherished today. Tennis possesses a unique ability to simultaneously unite diverse cultures and create its own distinct, international, and inclusive culture. This is perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the sport. Traveling anywhere in the world with a tennis racket feels like having an instant connection with people, a shared language that transcends borders.
Reflecting on the personal growth journey through tennis travel trips, another invaluable life skill emerges: the ability to overcome challenges. Moving to a different country at eleven was inherently challenging, and life has continued to present opportunities to push beyond comfort zones. Whether facing language barriers and exhaustion as a 16-year-old training abroad, battling jet lag before a WTA match at 26, or navigating the demands of work and motherhood, the experiences gained through tennis and travel have cultivated resilience and adaptability. These challenges are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth and learning.
The desire now is to share these invaluable lessons with others embarking on their own journeys. Whether guiding children, mentoring young players at JTCC, or working with teenagers through initiatives like Atlas Tennis, the goal is to inspire self-improvement through tennis and travel. This is the driving force behind the dedication, even when the day starts before sunrise. The opportunity to make a positive impact on young lives through these experiences is the ultimate motivation. And it’s why being part of Atlas Tennis, an organization dedicated to fostering growth through travel and tennis, is a deeply rewarding endeavor.
-Megan Moulton-Levy
