


“I only thought I was going to be here for two years but here it is 20.”
- Chris “Mick” Michalowski
Recognized as a Top 50 Tennis Resort by Tennis Magazine, the Resort’s tennis facilities stand out as one of the leading facilities in the Midwest. Tennis is one of The Club’s most active programs, with five indoor and four outdoor courts, plus all types of leagues for varying ages and skill levels, group lessons and private instruction from a top-tier staff of tennis pros and instructors.
The Resort’s tennis program is led by Director of Tennis, Chris “Mick” Michalowski. He oversees the Resort’s tennis instruction, leagues and tournament play. His staff includes USPTA professionals and tennis instructors. He loves the game as much as being the Director of Tennis.
Introducing kids to the game is his greatest passion - one that inspired the United States Tennis Association to make the Resort a pilot program for QuickStart, a new learning format designed for kids 10 and under. According to Mick, “This format is the best way to advance a junior player’s game, which we fully support.” Whether he’s working with kids, teens or adults, Mick finds approaching each player as an individual leads to their success. In 2006, Mick received the USTA Tennis Professional of the Year Award, the USPTA National Star Award, USTA National Community Service Award and the list goes on. He also serves as a member of the United States Tennis Association High Performance Task Force.
Team Tennis and Sports Academy started as a tennis academy only in the summer at West Senior High School with 554 participants in its first year. There were four 2-week sessions (Mon-Thurs) and kids had a choice to participate from either 8:30-10:00 AM or 10:30-12 Noon. The academy has since grown to include hockey, baseball, soccer, golf, basketball, Tae Kwon Do, football and other sports. The Academy is endorsed by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and was active with “Let’s Get Moving Northern Michigan,” Promoting all-around health and exercise in our youth.
The Academy is directed by Chris Michalowski, USPTA, Director of Tennis at the Grand Traverse Resort and Head Girls Varsity coach at TC West. He is also a Two-time Michigan Tennis Pro of the Year, Midwest Pro of the Year and recipient of the National Community Service Award and National All-Star Award presented by the Unites States Tennis Association and United States Professional Tennis Association. Visit the below link to learn more about the academy.