Testimonials

Testimonials and Recommendations

I have known Aruna Bernier for over 30 years. She is an exceptional coach, teacher, and mentor. She truly cares about each of her students and wants to maximize their god given potential. She is patient and kind but demanding of her students. Her work ethic is absolutely world class and her passion for tennis is what makes her extraordinary. Above all Aruna is a great human being who lives her life with honesty and integrity. Any club or organization would be lucky to have her. I wish her the very best!
Coach Sujay Lama: Head Tennis Coach, North Texas Athletics, Mean Green Sports (2021)

It is my pleasure to strongly recommend Aruna Bernier for running any tennis program or facility for adults and children. My name is Rich Neher I publish a monthly newsletter titled TENNIS CLUB BUSINESS. We were able to write a few times about Aruna and her tennis operation which she kept alive despite extremely difficult circumstances during COVID-19 last year. Our readers responded in unison, “Hats off to this woman!” I was personally quite impressed by the way Aruna dealt with a never-ending set of restrictions imposed by City of Austin officials who may not have known at the time that tennis is one of the safest outdoor sports during a pandemic. Coach Aruna is a remarkable individual. Not only is she able to teach a sport that is not very easy to learn to children and adults alike and not only is she an accomplished community leader, but she also finds the time to do some very important charity work helping the victims of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
Rich Neher: Conga Sports Founder & President / Tennis Media Group author (2021)

vdm_recommendation

Just thought I would reach out and let you know what a joy it has been having you use the tennis court. If it wasn’t for you it would still just be there sitting stagnant. Every day that it gets used I’m sure my mother is looking down smiling. Your professionalism is seond to none always mindful & caring towards my property & neighbors. Having not played tennis in many years I have enjoyed your Sunday morning tennis group. Your tennis knowledge and coaching skills have brought my tennis game back to life. Thanks for being my friend & coach.
Greg D (2021)

Thank you again for your wonderful coaching and encouraging way of teaching. Emmi walks away so Happy!
Daniela H(2022)

I had never picked up a tennis racket until my first class with Tennis Buddy’s. By the time I completed the beginners course I had the all the basic skills and knowledge of the game to play with more experienced players. I would highly recommend Tennis Buddy’s and Coach Aruna to anyone interested in playing tennis for the first time!
Craig D M(2022)

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your time and instruction during the September clinic. Craig and I looked forward to Mondays on the court and building on the skills we learned the previous week. I appreciated your technical drills and one-on-one instruction when it wasn’t quite clicking. Learning something new at 36 is not easy but you made it challenging, fun, and attainable all at the same time.
Mallory M(2022)

I just have to say that I enjoy your class immensely and our group is the
Most friendly and kind towards each other. My biggest problem is that I laugh to much with that group.
Thank you for teaching us so much.
Marcela F(2020)

Aruna, the entire time I’ve known her, has been professional, easy going and very helpful.
She not only taught tennis lessons to my grandson, but to me and neighbors as well.
The court next door to my residence was in bad shape and Aruna has made the extra effort and cleaned and cared for it. She has been very respectful of its use on every possible level.
Whatever Aruna pursues in the future, I have every confidence that she will handle it with dignity, hard work and respect.
Carol B (2021)

Aruna has been teaching both my grandson and wife tennis and they have greatly enjoyed it.
She has been taking excellent care of the tennis court adjacent to our property and has been very respectful of the property owners, neighborhood and tennis clients. She has been very pleasant to be around and my wife and I have greatly enjoyed her friendship
Carlton Bernhard (2021)

All three of my children have been students of Ms. Aruna since February 2021, and we are so happy to
have found such a great instructor that is always professional, on-time, and fun to learn from. Ms. Aruna
is great with kids and is very patient, encouraging and accommodating. Her passion for tennis is very
evident, and my kids really look forward to their lessons with her each week. It is also great that her
class sizes are small, so she is able to give each and every student the attention and guidance they need.
I have complete confidence recommending TennisBuddys to my friends and family.
You’re such a dedicated and patient coach, and a wonderful person. The boys are so fond of you, and love the sport because you make it so fun and enjoyable.
Josephine & StanleyT (2021)

I have known Aruna for about a month as my son’s tennis coach.
From my experience, even though it has been just a few weeks of knowing her, Aruna has
an impeccable work ethic, is easy to work with, has great respect for all people, and an
attitude to match.
Being new to Austin and to Tennisbuddys, we were clueless on a lot of things. But Aruna has
always been there for us in guiding through the payment process or adjusting classes or
even suggesting us on the best tennis racquet to buy(with a lot of options to choose from
too). She has always been patient with parents and kids.
Our son thoroughly enjoyed his first few tennis classes and always looks forward to the
following week’s lessons.
Sanjugtha S (2021)

I came to know her tennis program through recommendations from the neighborhood and my children started taking her tennis lessons two months ago. Within such short period of time, my kids have learned so much and now we can enjoy tennis as a family over the weekends. Particularly during pandemic, it was great to find something family can do regularly outdoor. We love her small group lessons because she provides individual attention as well as kids can learn teamwork. She is always very positive and encourages kids to enjoy the game of tennis, regardless of skill levels. Coach Aruna’s lessons are different every week, so it helps keep the kids engaged in learning instead of only drills. She is an outstanding and dedicated coach and I highly recommend Coach Aruna to anyone who would like to learn tennis. We hope she will find a new tennis court and will be able to continue to offer her lessons in our neighborhood.
Yuki V (2021)

I have switched back to right-handed, and am doing a little playing. I think my shoulder problem was caused by improper serve motion, so I’m serving underhanded until I get that straightened out. I enjoyed my classes with you. Thanks for your patience with a “new lefty”.
Ken M (2020)

I am truly sorry this has been such a difficult time for you. This pandemic has tested the strength and resilience of many good people I know around the world. Wish you the best as things start getting better. Before registering my kids in your classes I researched you (not a weirdo, I just do that with everyone I establish any relation and especially when it is about my kids 😊). I respect your commitment to humanitarian causes (no matter how or why you became engaged, you saw it through) and I appreciate your commitment to kids’ development, and mostly to their awareness and appreciation of sports, particularly tennis. This is not the first time my kids (5 and 8) have tennis lessons but it is the first time I see them excited to go to classes. Coach Aruna is that perfect combination of skills / talent; love and attention for the kids; and a firm hand and voice. She encourages the kids to do their best; praises them when they do well, and let them know what was not great and encourage them to do better. As a family, we do not believe that kids should always get trophies for just trying; but they should always hear the right and kind words to motivate them and encourage them to keep trying to get that trophy. This is what I have seen in Coach Aruna. This is how our kids learn not just about the sport but about life lessons.
We hope this is just a temporary setback and that we will see you again soon on the court.
Van Houten-Cunliffe family (2020)

My son Faris is 6 years old and has been taking classes with Coach Aruna since last November. During the pandemic, we were looking for an individual sport that was outdoors and safe. We feel very lucky we found TennisBuddys through a friend. Our son has really enjoyed learning tennis fundamentals and looks forward to classes. Coach Aruna has the right combination of discipline and ability to make tennis fun and engaging. She is able to keep a big group of young people engaged, which is no easy feat. Coach Aruna really cares about her students, the community, and bringing tennis to as many people as possible.
Selina K (2021)

Coach, this is Varun Reddy, your former student. You used to coach my brother Vikas and I back in high school. I am reaching out to you now to see if you would be interested in coaching my girlfriend! She lives and works in Austin near the McNeil area and is interested in learning how to play. I mentioned your name and told her how essential you were to teaching Vikas and me the fundamentals, and how you have trained me from having no experience with tennis at all to being competent enough to make my high school tennis varsity team in just 6 months -and she wants to take lessons from you. I graduated from University in 2018. Now I work full-time as a Legal Assistant for an internet law firm as I prepares to attend law school. Playing tennis prepared me to work in a fast-paced team environment and gave me the mental dexterity to focus on high-stakes legal issues involved in litigation.
Varun Reddy, Westwood High School Class of 2015 (2020)

My daughter trained with Aruna for at least 5 years from elementary into middle school. Aruna’s training did an excellent job of preparing my daughter for more advanced tennis training. She is now competing in the USTA ZAT program and is on her high school freshman team. Her enjoyment of the sport is due in no small part to preparation with Aruna.
Ralph Crosby Graduate Student at Texas A&M University November 9, (2010)

Aruna has been my children’s tennis coach for 3 years off/on and is motivating and caring towards her students. She is professional and expects good behavior in turn of her students. Aruna has a way of keeping students’ interest with a wide variety of games and skill activities so that the students don’t feel they are doing the same thing every class. This really works well with younger students which mine are. I have also appreciated her committment to the parents in keeping on time and offering make-ups when weather is challenging.
Lisa Mais Licensed Massage Therapist at Self-Employed, Embrace Life (2010)

I am having fun there. I’m playing in a league on Mondays and doing clinics and for fun games as well. It all started with you! Thanks!
Betsy Durrett (2013)

Cody enjoys you, your son, your classes. Thank you so much for how you’ve improved his game so far. His father & I played Australian doubles with him a few weeks ago, and his new skill level was obvious. Hope to see you around the neighborhood, school.
Leslie Grove, B.S., M.Ed., LPC 2013

Nicholas loves your classes and thank you for being such a good coach. Regards,
Rianna 2013

This is so nice of you. Kids told me they like you program a lot. and would like to continue. so I will sign them up for next 3 months. Thanks a lot for explaining to me. Now I have a better view on level setting of tennis. You are right. Enjoy learning is very important. I guess that is why my kids want to come back to you.:-) Thanks again!
Rae 2013

Thank you for being so patient with Brit. It is so nice to have him look forward to something other than a video game.
Miranda Darr – Director of Development (2013)

Aruna, I was really, really impressed, not only at Nick and Lar’s playing ability but esp. their sportsmanship!!!! THANK YOU!
Scott 2013

I really appreciate all you’ve done for his confidence increase and keeping boundaries with him. Since he started with you a long time ago, I’ve seen improvement in his ability to focus and calm himself down when he’s frustrated which are ongoing challenges with him, and me. Thank you so much Aruna for all you’ve done. I continue to recommend highly your class to future students and adult learners alike.
Lisa (2012)

We are so glad that we found you — you have done so much with Ben! He loves playing with you and your team and will miss it greatly
All the best to you.
Amy Prichard Tutt 2012

We/He have/has had a wonderful experience learning how to play tennis through your excellent instruction. Hopefully he has learned a lifelong sport. He is going to miss you terribly and is very sad about not continuing with your classes. It was a hard decision, but school takes a lot of time for Devin and it needs to be a top priority as college is quickly approaching. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and we will try and stop by the courts to give you a hug when we get back from our holiday trip. Thanks for everything you’ve done for Devin! You have been a wonderful mentor for him. Matt and I both appreciate all your hard work and patience!
Take care, Julie 2010

Dear Aruna, I browsed your website this morning, read your story, and just wanted to congratulate you on your career. It is vey impressive how you have developed what looks like a very nice program. I really like the ‘policy’ page on your website and plan to add a similar page to my own site.
~Thanks for the inspiration..! I wish you great success. Sincerely,
Coach Sam, Chadwell 2010

Thank you so much for teaching Austin and Kevin this past year! Austin and Kevin have learned a lot from you. I will definitely recommend your class to my friends who are interested in learning tennis in the future. We might see you at some of the tournaments sometimes.
Thanks so much again and see you!
Jane 2010

You’re the best, Aruna! Thanks again for all your expertise and patience. I’ll definitely be in touch!
Reena 2010

Thanks for all your coaching, Aruna! You were very patient and encouraging with me and I do appreciate it.
Shirley 2010

I wanted to personally thank you for a great last season. Nikita is really enjoying tennis and we really like how well you teach. I am sure all kids & parents do too. Truly, very happy. Keep it up.
Karthik Angamuthu (2010)

Thanks for being a great coach for Doru. He has made a lot of progress since he started taking lessons from you.
Vasfi Gucer (2010)

Had a really great time. Enjoyed your teaching technique and the workout. Would have been great if it was about 30 minutes longer.
Karen Williams (2009)

Matthew is enjoying tennis quite a bit, and I’m glad that his attitude has stayed strong and positive.
Chuck (2008)

Kaan and Baatu really love to play tennis. They probably don’t realize how good a tennis coach they have yet. Thank you for teaching them
Ilker (2007)

I had met you on the courts one time while I was playing tennis with a friend of mine and liked what you brought to the kids in terms of interaction and positive energy.
Lisa Mais (2007)

girls love it so much. The both say they LOVE your class and you make everything SO FUN! You are a blessing. Thank you!
Jill Rowe (2007)

Aruna, My son, Dylan, attended tennis class for the first time Saturday and really enjoyed it. I was very impressed at your teaching skills!
Sheri (2007)

Thanks, I will see you tomorrow! You’re the person who made me see that tennis is a great (and do-able) sport for me!
Melinda W(2006)

Thank you so much for the cardio tennis class — I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to the next three sessions.
Karen B (2006)

Hi Aruna, Anytime, we all really appreciate that you’re doing this and look forward to all the classes. Just so you know, I intend on participating for as long as possible. I need the exercise and really, I was looking for something I couldo interactively with Carlos (Charlie) and tennis has become it.
Laura (2006)

Hi Aruna, Just wanted to say that Navin loves, loves, loves learning how to play tennis now under your guidance and supervision ( he is in the 3:30 Sunday class). Thanks for your time, and take care!
Irina Baruah (2006)

I have learned a great deal and still obviously have a lot more to learn, You are an excellent teacher and it has been a delight to have you help me get my game into shape. Thanks for being so patient.
David(2006)

Dear Aruna, Thank you very much for teaching my son by creative way! Michael really enjoy his lesson and every weekand we practice at community tennis court. I think he is getting a life-long loving sport. Thanks again,
Jenny han (2006)

And congrats to you as well. Your program is great for the kids. Students seem to step up to expectations, so I thank you for maintaining high ones.
Liz Alexander (2005)

Aruna, Varun felt pretty good after his match. His game appears to have picked up as well – he kept me on my toes earlier today when we were hitting. The good part is he seems to be listening to your instructions. He was particular about practicing with the right grip on all his shots, including the serve.
Thanks, Raman (2005)

Aruna, You are truely a very successful mom and career, business woman for whom I am proud of despite our fairly new relationship. Keep it up! I enjoy my tennis lessons and so does Jeffrey. Thank you. There currently isn’t an award in the sports area, however, had there been one, it seems that you might have been a highly qualified candidate for that. Keep up the excellent job! See you on Sunday.
Ingrid M (2005)

Dear Aruna: Thanks again so much for the lessons you did for Claire & Conrad. You are really good with children, and Conrad needed someone with your pizzaz to keep him focused.
Colleen (2005)

Thanks for all your work with the tennis program. Your work as a volunteer is invaluable to the community and to the parks department. Austin Parks Foundation’s mission is to foster exactly this kind of community involvement in parks. Please keep in touch about ways we can work together for Austin’s parks.
Rosie Weaver Austin Parks Foundation (2005)

I really like how you mix up things in the class. The kids don’t even realize the games you play are to help develop good footwork. I love it when kids can learn while they think they are just having fun.
Monica (2005)

Hi Aruna, Your classes have been highly recommended by some of my friends. I wanted to sign my 7-year old daughter for a session this summer
Diane Kanawati (2005)

“I was extremely pleased to learn that Aruna is open and understanding to making basic tennis fundamentals work with my personal playing style. I have seen several tennis pros/coaches enforce the basic fundamentals without regard personal playing style…which leads to an awkward tennis experience.”
Justin Parra (2005)

Just wanted to let you know that Aditya had a lot of fun at tennis yesterday. We play this little game every night, he and I, where we tell each other what was the best thing that happened to us that day and the worst thing, and he said that his best thing was tennis 🙂
Rukmini Rao (Junior tennisbuddys 2005)

Aruna, Wow. What a great site for a great idea! It’s obvious that you’ve been able to combine two of your true callings into one unique business. I am so happy that this day has finally come for you. I know it was a series of big, scary steps… leaving the corporate world to raise a child right and then to become an entreprenuer. You can never truly be successful if your heart is not in what you do, and if your heart is in your work, there is no limit to the level of your success. You are providing a HUGE service to the people in your area. These kids will look back years from now and remember you. Some kids that come to you may be from broken homes and this may be a real source of happiness and stability for them. The website is AWESOME! I have no suggestions, no critique to offer. It’s masterfully done and loaded with info. Great action shots. The logo is cute and memorable, again, agency-quality. CONGRATULATIONS!!! Take care, talk to you again soon 🙂
Susan E. Smart (2004)

Congrats, Aruna! This site looks great! I hope this starts to really take off and you get the improvements to the courts that you deserve! See you at the park!
Cindy Austin (2004)

I talked with Aruna briefly on Sat, while I was working with Gary on clearing the brush away from the one side of the tennis courts in the Oak View park, and she is now offering tennis classes at the courts and has the credentials to be teaching as a pro at any of the tennis centers or country clubs in town, so kids and adults now have access to good tennis instruction right in the neighborhood.
Rob G (2004)

Both of the girls are very happy to be in tennis. I really like how you mix up things in the class. The kids don’t even realize the games you play are to help develop good footwork. I love it when kids can learn while they think they are just having fun.
Monica Carlson (Mini tennisbuddys 2004)

Hi Aruna, Your classes have been highly recommended by some of my friends. I wanted to sign for a session this summer and I was wondering if the dates on the website are correct?
Diane Kanawati (2004)

Boys really like the classes. They learn and have fun too.
Ilker ozsaracoglu (Mini tennisbuddys 2004)

This group lesson I got was great and I visibly improved. I have played with my friend that I was talking about. He has seen a significant improvement especially in my backhands and my overall consistency on both sides. You did a good job obviously.
Ilker ozsaracoglu (Advanced tennisbuddys 2004)

Hi Aruna, Congrats on your new program, TennisBuddys That is so exciting. And wonderful that you are marketing towards families. Your website looks super! The logo is catchy. You look great in the photo. And the Smiling Faces on the racquet strings are just great. I’m sure you are able to implement some of the things you learned in the PTR Munchkin Course!That is so exciting.
July Jilly (Vice President of Operations) Professional Tennis Registry PTR (2004)

You are a good instructor and Richard likes your classes very much. I really appreciate your way of teaching.
DC (Junior tennisbuddys 2004)

I enjoyed the time playing on Sunday. It was well organized and moved at a great rate. Nevertheless, I think I still want a private one hour lesson with you soon.
Cindy Austin (Adult Advanced tennisbuddys 2004)

We would love to start the next week if that is ok with your group schedules. The girls really enjoyed it.
Becky Judis (Junior tennisbuddys)

Thank you very much for the lesson on Sunday – Simon did enjoy it.
Leasy DeLong (Junior tennisbuddys 2004)

Thanks. I had a lot of fun in the class. Especially liked the pace of the class. It was well organized and moved quickly. Hopefully I can find time this spring to work more on some of the things I learned. It really was good fun.
Bill H (Adult Intermediate tennisbuddys 2004)

I was extremely pleased to learn that Aruna is open and understanding to making basic tennis fundamentals work with my personal playing style. I have seen several tennis pros/coaches enforce the basic fundamentals without regard personal playing style…which leads to an awkward tennis experience
Justin Parra (Adult Advanced tennisbuddys 2004)

Varun felt pretty good after his match. His game appears to have picked up as well – he kept me on my toes earlier today when we were hitting. The good part is he seems to be listening to your instructions. He was particular about practicing with the right grip on all his shots, including the serve.
Raman S (Adult Advanced tennisbuddys 2004)

Both Karie and Ryan had such a great time at their first tennis lesson–thanks so much!
Dawn O (2004)

Thank you very much for teaching my son by creative way! Michael really enjoy his lesson and every weekand we practice at community tennis court. I think he is getting a life-long loving sport.
Jenny H (2004)

We really think you are a good coach with great patient. As long as situation is allowed, we will join with you again.
Rae & Frank(Adult Beginner 2004)

Thanks again so much for the lessons you did for Claire & Conrad. You are really good with children, and Conrad needed someone with your pizzaz to keep him focused.
Colleen (2004)

Your classes have been highly recommended by some of my friends. I wanted to sign my 7-year old daughter for a session this summer
Diane Kanawati (2004)

You are truely a very successful mom and career, business woman for whom I am proud of despite our fairly new relationship. Keep it up! I enjoy my tennis lessons and so does Jeffrey. Thank you.
Ingrid M (Adult Intermediate and Jumior Mini 2, 2004)

Hi Aruna. Robert and Garrison are really enjoying their classes and want to sign up for October. We’re going to buy the boys rackets this weekend since they’ve decided they like tennis.
Kim G (2004)

Your program is great for the kids. Students seem to step up to expectations, so I thank you for maintaining high ones.
Liz Alexander (Advanced Junior 2004)

I really enjoyed my last session with you. Thanks.
Mithu (2004)

Looking forward to the sunday lesson. I have to tell you – I’m enjoying these classes a lot.
Sunia (2004)

Aruna – Rachael has started looking forward to tennis on Sundays. It usually takes her a while to get engaged in things, but we think she’s really going to like tennis.
Julie W (2004)