Testimonials

Testimonials and Recommendations

Note from the Director of Tennis: Thank you for your patience!
Due to our 16 year old business forced to shutdown at Oakview park by the city of Austin after numerous lockdowns, we relocated, rebuilt and reopened on August 10th, 2020. Since going independent, we have been very busy and we apologize for the delay on updating our testimonials page. Since August 10th, 2020 reopen we have been very very busy with the biggest influx of new students . Word of mouth has spread and our safe and social distanced tennis program has now soared to new heights after a lot of hard work and scrambling and we are very grateful. We have tons of testimonials we need to update.
The outpouring of love and support from our tennis students, parents, neighbors and community has been amazing. All testimonials coming soon!

Recommendation letter from Pat and Dennis Van der Meer

vdm_recommendation

Ralph Crosby Graduate Student at Texas A&M University
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.
November 9, 2010, Ralph was Aruna’s client

Lisa Mais Licensed Massage Therapist at Self-Employed, Embrace Life
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.
September 17, 2010, Lisa was Aruna’s client

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)

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!
Julie Jilly PTR (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)

That is so exciting. And wonderful that you are marketing towards families. 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!
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)