Tennis February 3, 2024 Oak Lawn’s very own Daniel Doyle was recognized with the IHSTCA Decade of Coaching award, in honor of his 10 year milestone of coaching high school tennis.
“Coach Doyle’s veteran knowledge and skill within the sport of tennis has helped our varsity players become competitive within the conference and area, as well as help to bring athletes that have never played tennis before develop a passion for the game”, said athletic director Jeremy Cryan. “Coach Doyle’s patience, fun approach, and genuine care for his athletes make him a great mentor and leader of our team. His love of the game and sportsmanship has earned him much respect with the conference and area coaches. His passion for working with our Spartan student-athletes will continue to help our girls tennis program thrive, as well as continue to create opportunities and experiences that our athletes will always remember.”
Doyle started coaching at Oak Lawn in 2007 after accepting a proposal to coach tennis when the previous coach retired. Coach Doyle also had previous coaching experience at his job prior to coming to OLCHS.
In addition to coaching, Mr. Doyle is a full time English teacher at OLCHS, teaching various amounts of English classes such as English 1 and English 2 Honors. Not only is Doyle organized in the classroom, he is also out on the tennis courts during the girls tennis season with passion for them to succeed.
“The balance between coaching and teaching can be difficult. Both are full time jobs that require a lot of attention to students or athletes.When we are on the courts, though, the school day seems to just fade. Everyone is more concentrated playing and the troubles of the day seem to just slip away,” said coach Daniel Doyle. “Coaching can be so different from classroom teaching. I love practices. Everyone gets to run around and joke and learn at the same time. I’m learning how to hit the ball too.The players are a lot of fun too. They have great enthusiasm and are motivated to play and improve their game.”
Throughout the season, one can see the amount of effort Coach Doyle puts in for the team to grow and succeed. By making up “lesson plans” for practice, researching new ways to serve, and giving advice specific to each player, Doyle allows players to grow skill and technique wise on the courts.
“I like Doyle as a coach because he helps me improve as a player with guidance and encouragement, which lets me enjoy tennis even more”, said OLCHS varsity tennis player Camille Esguerra.
In addition to practices and games, personal connections are made with the team. As the season progresses players and coaches spend a minimum of 2 hours together Monday through Friday, leading to bonds being created.
“I think the biggest thing I have learned from coaching is that it is not about the coach. Some coaches get a lot of their self-worth through the successful accomplishments of their players and teams. Don’t get me wrong. It would be great to win medals and trophies, but that can’t be the focus. One of the biggest rewards for me comes at the end of the season. We usually go out as a team after the Sectional Tournament and to see the smiles on the faces of the players at this team bonding meal is so great. We laugh and go over the season”, said Doyle.
Daniel Doyle will continue to coach tennis at OLCHS, and we can’t wait to see what him and his team will accomplish in the years that follow.
