Shows
HTP PodcastInterview with Greg PrudhommeTennis isn’t just about the wins and losses—it’s about who you become along the way. In this episode, Gira sits down with Greg to unpack how focusing on the process over results helps athletes thrive, both on and off the court. Greg shares how his father’s love for tennis laid the groundwork for a lifelong journey of growth and teaching players to prioritize mindset and personal growth over trophies alone.They also explore the evolving tennis industry, the role of mental preparation, and how to lead athletes toward a healthier, more resilien...2025-07-2517 min
HTP PodcastInterview with Leslie BanksLeslie Banks started tennis at age 3 and never looked back. Now, as the founder of Serve the Future, she’s using her lifelong love for the game to empower underserved youth through tennis, opening doors many never thought possible.From her early days growing up in a competitive tennis family to coaching at just 15, Leslie shares her journey of grit, resilience, and growth within the tennis world. She dives into the challenges of transitioning from coaching at clubs in Houston to stepping out on her own in Phoenix, where she followed her calling to create a nonprofit de...2025-07-1816 min
HTP PodcastInterview with Amanda Moore (Fink)Ever wondered what it’s really like chasing the pro tennis dream? In this episode of the HTP Podcast, Gira sits down with Amanda Moore (Fink), former top 300 player, tennis scholarship to the University of Southern California, and passionate coach, to unpack her journey from age 8 with a racquet in hand to the professional circuit.Amanda shares the raw realities of life on tour—from the independence and confidence tennis builds to the quiet loneliness between matches. She dives into the importance of setting realistic goals, understanding your travel and support needs, and planning your path...2025-07-1111 min
HTP PodcastInterview with Nicole FintellIn this episode, Nicole Fintell shares her journey from a 7-year-old tennis camper to 2x Texas state champion, D1 college athlete, high-performance junior coach, college coach, and USTA Southwest’s junior player development manager.We explore the ups and downs of junior tennis, the challenges of isolation, and why it’s essential to focus on long-term development.Tennis is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong teacher.Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, you’ll gain practical insights into navigating the challenges and joys of tennis.Key Points:2025-07-0409 min
HTP PodcastInterview with Kate PaulusIn this episode, Kate Paulus shares her powerful tennis journey—from picking up a racquet in Kansas City to competing at the Division 1 level at TCU. She opens up about the emotional toll of injuries, the mental pressure of elite tennis, and how gratitude and perspective helped her through the toughest moments. Kate also gets candid about hot-button topics like fairness in women's sports and the value of creating safe spaces for all athletes. This conversation is equal parts real, reflective, and inspiring.Key topics:Moving from KC to South Fl...2025-06-2719 min
HTP PodcastInterview with Rogelio CarabajalCan you teach yourself tennis and actually get good? Rogelio proves it’s possible!In this episode, we talk about DIY tennis, engineering mindset, and using tennis as a way to meet people, grow confidence, and build community.He shares how a little competition (with a teacher!) kept him pushing, how he stayed focused with limited support, and how tennis helped him make friends and stay grounded while studying engineering at Boston University. Whether you’re new to tennis or a longtime player, Rogelio’s story proves that grit, curiosity, and a bit of cre...2025-06-2011 min
HTP PodcastInterview with Olivia KimIn this inspiring episode, Olivia Kim shares how she went from playing tennis just once a week in 9th grade to earning an academic scholarship to play collegiate tennis at Trinity.After switching schools and homeschooling to pursue the sport full-time, she pushed through self-doubt, gossip, and early setbacks in a competitive tennis community.Olivia opens up about overcoming the pressure, finding confidence, and thriving in a positive college tennis environment.Now a psychology grad set to become a therapist for kids with autism, she reminds us that perseverance and passion can lead...2025-06-1317 min
HTP PodcastInterview with Trang TranWhat happens when tennis opens doors beyond the court? 🎾✨In this powerful episode of the HTP Podcast, Gira Schofield sits down with Trang, a junior in high school who shares her inspiring journey from Vietnam to the U.S.—and from picking up a racquet to earning a college scholarship. 🇻🇳➡️🇺🇸Trang opens up about:✅ How Serve the Future nonprofit changed her life✅ Learning tennis later than most—and thriving anyway✅ Earning a scholarship to Canyon College through hard work and mindset✅ Her dream of becoming an experimental psychologist✅ Advice for y...2025-05-3007 min
HTP PodcastWhat I Really Think About Positive Self-Talk!Is positive self-talk enough? In this episode, part 3 of positive self-talk, I get real about the limits of positive self-talk in tennis—and why it won’t work in certain pressured situations unless you actually believe it.I’ll break down the truth about mental toughness, subconscious patterns, and why meditation and journaling are the real training grounds for your mind. 🎾🧠You’ll hear:Why “just be positive” is bad advice during pressure momentsWhat Novak Djokovic can teach us about building true mental strengthHow to start rewiring your thoughts in just 2 minutes a dayIf you want to s...2025-05-2307 min
HTP PodcastMeditation Positive Self-TalkEver feel like your biggest opponent is you? In this episode, we’re taking you through a calming, powerful guided meditation to help you rewire your self-talk, shake off self-doubt, and step into your power — point by point, breath by breath.Through deep breathing, full-body relaxation, and powerful visualization, you'll learn to:✨ Quiet the mental noise during matches ✨ Reframe negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough.” ✨ Replace them with game-changing affirmations like “I have what it takes to compete.” ✨ Visualize yourself staying focused, strong, and confident — no matter what the score...2025-05-1617 min
HTP PodcastTurn Negative Self-Talk into a Positive MindsetWe all do it—even the pros. In Part 2 of our self-talk series, we’re diving into why negative self-talk creeps in (hello, pressure!) and how to flip it into something powerful and productive. Learn how to catch your mental patterns, reframe them, and coach yourself mid-match like a pro.🎧 Tune in and train your brain, or remain the same.2025-05-0905 min
HTP PodcastWhy is Self-Talk Important in Tennis?Ever feel like your own brain is your toughest opponent? 😅 In this episode of the HTP Podcast, we’re diving into the science of self-talk — how the words you say to yourself can either build your game or break it down.💬 Learn why your brain believes everything you tell it, how to rewire your mindset for performance, and why players like Djokovic and Coco Gauff are talking to themselves—for good reason.🎾 This is part 1 of our 3-part series on mastering your mental game—don't miss it! ✨ Take a breath, tune in, and start training your...2025-05-0207 min
HTP PodcastMeditation Beginner's Guide to Breathing on the Tennis CourtTake a break from the grind and join me for a calming guided meditation designed just for tennis players. This episode walks you through deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and tennis-focused visualizations (think smooth forehands, powerful serves, and that sweet feeling of flow).💭 What’s inside:A relaxing body scan from toes to headBreathing tricks to calm your nervesVisualization techniques to sharpen your strokesPerfect for pre-practice prep, post-practice recovery, or anytime you need to reset. Hit play, breathe deep, and let go.2025-04-2520 min
HTP PodcastBeginner's Guide to Breathing on the Tennis CourtIn this episode, Gira gets real about a skill most players totally overlook: how to breathe when you're playing tennis. Sounds basic, but it’s a total game changer.✨ You’ll learn:Why holding your breath kills your flow (and your stamina)How to sync your breath with your shot and footworkThe between-point reset routine every player needsWhether you’re new to the game or just never learned how to breathe right, this episode will help you stay relaxed, focused, and powerful from first serve to match point. 🫁 Let’s make breathing your secret w...2025-04-1806 min
HTP PodcastMeditation Instant ConfidenceEpisode 6 is a guided meditation; you’ll learn how to unlock instant confidence by quieting your mind and reconnecting with your body.Through breathwork, full-body relaxation, and powerful visualization, you’ll release self-doubt and feeling like "you're not good enough."Let go of outcome-based thinking and return to a grounded, fearless version of yourself—one that plays with joy, presence, and trust.By the end, you’ll feel calm, focused, and ready to step onto the court with confidence.Train your mind, like you train your strokes. It is ideal to listen t...2025-04-1119 min
HTP PodcastMeditation Overcome Performance AnxietyEpisode 5 is a guided meditation to help you overcome performance anxiety and step onto the court with confidence.Through deep breathing, progressive relaxation, and powerful visualizations, you’ll learn to quiet your mind, focus on one point at a time, and trust your game.Tune in now to prepare your body and mind for positive peak performance!Train your mind, like you train your strokes. It is ideal to listen to this meditation every day for 33 days and see the magic unfold.2025-04-0410 min
HTP PodcastHow to Handle Pressure (24 hours before) a Match and DuringIn this episode, we dive deep into how to handle pressure before and during a match—one of the biggest challenges tennis players face at all levels. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive junior, pressure doesn’t have to be your enemy. It can be your greatest teacher.Let's explore:✅ Pre-Match Preparation: Simulating pressure scenarios, using visualization techniques, and developing calming breathwork routines. ✅ Mindset Shifts: Learning to focus on the process, break matches into manageable points, and reframe pressure as a privilege. ✅ In-Match Strategies: Using self-talk, physical resets, and maintainin...2025-03-2808 min
HTP PodcastOvercoming Performance AnxietyIn Episode 3, we tackle a challenge every tennis player faces at some point—performance anxiety before a match. Whether you're stepping onto the court for a tournament or a friendly game, those pre-match nerves can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you can train your mind and body to manage those emotions and thrive under pressure.We will cover:✅ Understanding Performance Anxiety: Why it happens and how to shift your focus from fear to confidence. ✅ Visualization Techniques: Using mental imagery to create a sense of calm and control. ✅ Breathwork Strategies...2025-03-2809 min
HTP PodcastUnlock Instant ConfidenceIn Episode 4, we’re breaking down a powerful concept that can transform your game—instant confidence. Most players believe confidence takes months (or even years) to build through results, repetition, and mental conditioning. But what if you could tap into confidence instantly, right before stepping onto the court?We’ll explore:✅ Where Confidence DOESN’T Come From: Why affirmations, match results, and self-image aren’t reliable sources of lasting confidence.✅ The Real Source of Confidence: Shifting into a ‘nothing to lose’ mindset that frees you to play your best tennis.✅ How to Let Go of Fear an...2025-03-2806 min
HTP PodcastDevelop Mental Toughness for Tennis Player's🎾 We’re diving into one of the most crucial aspects of the game: developing mental toughness.Whether you're: ✅ A player striving to reach your personal best,✅ A coach guiding your athletes, or ✅ A parent supporting your junior player, mental toughness is the glue that holds everything together in high-pressure moments.In this episode, we’ll break down the key pillars of mental toughness, including:🎯 Awareness: Recognizing your thoughts and emotions during matches. 💪 Preparation: Building confidence through intentional practice and rituals. 🧠 Mindset Shifts: Focusing on the process, not th...2025-03-2707 min
HTP PodcastWelcome to Podcast HTPWelcome to The Podcast: Holistic Tennis Performance!This is your space to build mental toughness, elevate your game, and thrive as a whole person—not just a tennis player.2025-03-2700 min