North Shore Tennis Welcomes New Head Tennis Pro

Shortly after Labor Day, Dan McCormick—who's currently serving his ninth summer as Tennis Director at the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead—will be joining North Shore Tennis and Squash on Swampscott Road in Salem to run the tennis program from September to April. Dan replaces retiring John Foley, a New England Tennis Hall of Famer and Swampscott resident. Foley had been Head Tennis Pro at NST since it opened 53 years ago.

McCormick, who also coaches women's tennis at Salem State University, is a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and a Certified Elite Teaching Professional.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to teach here. The club has a built a great tennis tradition over the years and I'm honored to be in a position to continue that," said McCormick.

McCormick believes his experience can help players of all ages, levels, and skills improve their game. "As a former college tennis player (URI '83) and now coach of the Salem State women's team, I understand singles and doubles play at that level. Also, I get older, I realize I can't hit it as well as I used to, but on the upside, I play a little smarter than I used to and maybe I'm just as good a player for that reason," said McCormick. "In addition, teaching my own children has made me a better junior coach and working with my wife on her tennis skills has helped me become a better director of ladies' clinics."

Replacing a legend like John Foley will be a challenge, but McCormick is up to the task. "I've known John for many years. He's a big part of not only North Shore tennis, but New England tennis. Because of John and his name on the wall outside, this club has a great reputation. I'm looking to carry the tradition forward and continue the work that John began over 50 years ago."

According to McCormick, the club will offer Junior Clinics on Fridays starting in September. Sessions for kids between 5-9 years old will run from 4:30pm-5:15pm and 10-13 year olds will meet from 5:15pm-6pm. He also plans to introduce new programs for adults like Drill Groups and Doubles Strategy Sessions, along with group and individual lessons for adults and kids.

To sign up now for Junior Clinics, call the club at 978-745-5997 or Dan at 978-944-0166.