VIC BRADEN

From Vic
I feel lucky to have played a small part in the sports world. Looking for creative ways to help people play their chosen sport better, and sooner, has provided me with plenty of excitement and new knowledge. Though I still feel we're in the "Stone Ages" on many fronts, that will change because there are so many fine researchers generating new projects.

In addition, there is evidence that the many disciplines involved in understanding sport are beginning to cooperate on a much higher level. Sport surfaces childhood emotions and experiences faster than anything I know. Therefore, it is a major force in the understanding of human behavior and the development of wholesome character in each of us. Playing a sport should be one of the finest treasures known to mankind.

Unfortunately, the sports world has lost too many people because we lack the knowledge to find ways to keep them involved. While people are being introduced to a new sport, they should be laughing their guts out while learning. Those that learn this way are usually in sports for a lifetime.

Vic Braden's Tennis Background & Professional Career

College:
Vic was a team captain at Kalamazoo College where he was a winner of the league singles championships. Kalamazoo College has not lost a league championship in nearly six decades. In the Midwest college circles, he was ranked number two behind Tony Trabert.
Playing Experience - Vic turned pro immediately after graduating college during a time when there were only a few professional tournaments. In his short professional career, Vic was invited three times to play in the World Tennis Championships.

Professional Accomplishments:
Co-founder, Vic Braden Tennis College, Star Island Resort, Kissimmee, Florida
Co-founder, Vic Braden Tennis College, St. George, Utah
Founder-Dir., Vic Braden Tennis College, Coto de Caza, Ca.
1989-2002 Board Member: Vic Braden Sports Institute for Neurological Research. Washington, D.C.
1986-1994 Founder, Vic Braden Ski College, Aspen, Colorado.
1980-1990 Co-founder, Co-director, Coto Sports Research Center, Ca.
1967-1969 Manager, Pro Tennis Tour/George MacCall/Charlton Heston.
1961-1972 Co-founder, Jack Kramer Tennis Club, Palos Verdes, Ca.
1957-1958 Instructor, UCLA Psychology Clinic School.
1952-1955 Head Tennis-Assist. Basketball Coach, U. of Toledo Ohio.

Books Authored:
Tennis for the Future, Teaching Children Tennis The Vic Braden Way, Quick Fixes, Mental Tennis, Laugh and Win At Doubles, Tennis 2000.

Major Personal Goal:
To spend more quality time with my family.

Major Professional Goal:
To help each person maximize performance and enjoyment of his/her chosen sport in the shortest period of time.

Vocational Highlights:
Licensed psychologist (California), author, sports educator and researcher, cinematographer, videographer, sports, television commentator.

Television Appearances:
NBC Today Show, ABC Good Morning America, CBS Good Morning, ABC Nightline, 20/20, NBC, CBS, ABC Evening News, Hollywood Squares

Television Commentating:
NBC, CBS, ESPN, PBS, and Prime Ticket Network.

Featured in Print Media:
Time Magazine, Sports Illustrated, People Magazine, New York Times.

Awards:
Contributing Most to Tennis in America (USTA); Orange County Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award (Sportswriter); Coach of the Year Award (USPTA).