Stopping by a Trinity Lutheran boys tennis practice, one of the athletes on the court stands a little taller than most of the others.
Danny Frastaci doesn’t typically coach from the back of the fence or to the side of the net post; he steps in and gets involved in drills and games.
Frastaci, a Cleveland native, will head the boys program this fall at Trinity.
The first-year coach, who has worked at Camp Lakeview Lutheran Camp for about three years, brings playing experience to the position.
Frastaci, 26, played four years of varsity tennis before joining the men’s team at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
Still an active player, he recently made it to the finals in men’s open doubles division of the Columbus City Tennis Tournament.
In his inaugural season, Frastaci hopes to build relationships with the athletes and help them grow on and off the court.
Q: Why did you apply for the open position at Trinity?
A: “I love tennis; it’s a beautiful sport. It’s a sport you can play your whole life. I grew up playing before playing in high school and college. I have always been involved in tennis. It’s something I enjoy doing any chance I get.”
Q: What has it been like this first week of practice?
A: “It’s a fun group of guys to work with. We like to have a lot of fun. We have some work to do, and improvements to make, this season. But, even from day one to day two, we saw progress. They want to learn and improve and are working hard to do that.”
Q: What are some of your coaching philosophies?
A: “I’ve always thought that coaching is more than just teaching a sport. You’re teaching how interact with people, how to work through programs and overcoming adversity. We want the kids help the kids battle through each of their own adversities. Any chance you get to work one-on-one with a kid is an awesome opportunity to give them feedback. I love those small moments with the kids on the team.”
Q: Since you still play regularly, do you figure yourself a hands-on coach?
A: “I like to go out, hit some serves and play a few games with the guys. I like working on the technique with the strokes with the players.”