Meet Coach Garrett

About Coach Al Garrett

Coach Al Garrett, a seasoned Tennis Pro and co-founder of Youth Development Association, Inc. (YDA), serves as the Executive Director of our organization. With decades of experience in tennis coaching and community leadership, Coach G has been instrumental in bringing the transformative power of tennis to countless young lives.

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Tennis Leadership Journey

Coach G's journey in tennis leadership began as the Director of Tennis for the City of Madison, AL, at the Dublin Park Tennis Center. He held this role from 1993 to 2006 and played a pivotal role in developing various tennis programs. Under his guidance, Dublin Park Tennis Center became a hub for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Some of his accomplishments include establishing the USTA/NJTL Chapter, Junior Team Tennis, tournament teams, and a range of programs catering to everyone from beginners to advanced players.

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Certifications and High School Coaching

Coach G is a certified tennis professional, holding active certifications from both the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) since 1993 and the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) since 1995. Additionally, he is certified by the Alabama High School Athletics Association. In 2015, Coach G returned to high school tennis coaching at St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Huntsville, AL, where he continues to inspire young athletes on and off the court.

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Ministry and Service

In addition to his contributions to the world of tennis, Coach G holds a special place in the ministry. He was licensed in 2004 and ordained in 2005 as a minister by The Huntsville Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America.

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YDA Leadership

As the Executive Director of Youth Development Association, Inc. (YDA), Coach G provides visionary leadership to this non-profit organization, which is a proud member of the USTA and a Community Tennis Association. YDA's mission, "S.E.T. - Soaring in Education/Etiquette through Tennis," aligns perfectly with Coach G's dedication to under-served populations and communities. Through YDA, Coach G helps provide tutoring, mentorship through tennis, and leadership development through community service.

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Family and Community Engagement

Off the court, Coach G is a devoted husband to Ruth J. Garrett and the proud father of five children: Diane, Marcus, Brian, Angela, and Calvin. He is also a doting grandfather, blessed with 11 truly grand grandchildren.

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Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are proud to announce that Coach Al Garrett has been appointed as the Chairperson for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Alabama Tennis Association. His commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tennis community reflects his unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Coach G's passion for tennis, education, and community service has been a driving force behind YDA's success, and he continues to inspire both young athletes and community leaders with his boundless enthusiasm.