Jamey Wilson of the Palisades Tennis Center was named 2009 Pro of the Year last weekend in Manhattan Beach. Photo by Madeline Loef

By Steve Galluzzo, Sports Editor

2010-02-03
For many years the Palisades Tennis Center has been recognized as a training ground for of the best junior players in the country. Now, it can boast about having one of the best teachers in the nation as well.

Last weekend, HEAD/PENN Racquet Sports named PTC pro Jamey Wilson its "Pro of the Year" for 2009. Wilson received the award at the U.S. Professional Tennis Association's California Division Convention in Manhattan Beach.

Wilson holds the USPTA's highest "Professional 1" certification and is a member of HEAD/PENN's Advisory Staff.

"It was humbling to receive the award in front of my peers and great to know that what I've been doing here at the PTC has been recognized by people outside of the community," he said.

Wilson runs fully-booked weekday adult clinics, most of which have waiting lists. In 2009 Wilson also ran several special tournaments that created quite a buzz around town.

"I stopped competing some time ago so it's been a while since I've won a trophy," Wilson joked. "But I'm not going to lie--it still feels good."

Wilson competed nationally as a junior and played on an NCAA championship team at the University of San Diego. He then played pro satellites until taking a coaching position, after which he still competed part-time. While living in Hawaii he was ranked No. 1 in his age group and won the state's mixed doubles championship five years in a row.

"I've been at the PTC about 10 years now and what I like most is the energy here," he said. "The place just rocks. The players are all very passionate about tennis and it's rewarding to work with players who go all-out everyday but still know how to have fun. I've worked at award- winning clubs and resorts in the past, but nowhere have I felt the energy and enthusiasm I feel at the PTC."

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