APTA Board Member: Rich Green

Rich Green

Age: 47
Residence: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Profession: Hedge Fund Reporting and Analytics

Achievements in Tennis/Platform Tennis: The most memorable tennis achievements were more than 20 years apart. Winning both team and individual 1984 New England Championships and being awarded the tournament’s Individual Sportsmanship honor while playing for the University of Vermont tops the list. Twenty something years later winning the 2007 North Carolina State 40s was quite unexpected after a frustrating year of hitting forehands into the ground and fence from changing continental to semi-western grip and swing.

Bringing paddle to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2007 is certainly my greatest paddle achievement. Playing achievements came mainly winning several tournaments in 2003/2004, each with a different partner: Short Hills B, West Hartford B, Long Island B, and the Southern Invitational. Interestingly, two of these titles were with partners I had not met before stepping onto the court. One was 2010 National Champion Jerry Albrikes when I filled in at the last minute for the top seed’s sick partner in Hartford while on a ski trip to southern Vermont. Earlier this year Jerry was on the opposite side of the net in the Tar Heel Men’s final. It wasn’t pretty. I may have won a few games.

As far as ranking level tournaments there has been scattered success with long time friend and occasional partner Michael Stern after moving south in 2004. Finalists in the Charlottesville NRT, reaching Nationals round of 32, and a sizeable upset in early rounds of the Atlantic Classic were legitimate wins for guys like us. I also played and captained President’s Cup several years for the new Southern Region 7.

Hobbies off the courts: Off the courts most often there will be some form of yoga which I think is very good for paddle given the physical, mental, and concentration needs to play a long match or tournament. I volunteer with Special Olympics cycling, softball, and tennis. I enjoy guitar with my son, Josh, seeing my daughter, Sam, as often as possible, hiking with Ellen and our sweet dogs Rumi and Shanti, learning to cook vegetarian food, cycling, and skiing. This year I am also in yoga teacher training.

Personal Platform Tennis Philosophy: Mainly play to have fun, to get some exercise, and on occasion to compete. I enjoy introducing the game to new players, playing with friends, and tournaments. Tournament strategy varies depending on partner, opponents, and what the moment calls for. My offense is sporadic and serve not very strong. I try to be a consistent, quick, supporting partner who can occasionally surprise with offense. My favorite shot is to hit short angled drop shots around the net post. When competing against stronger players I like to play very, very long points. Defense mode, digging in until the tide turns can also be fun.