HighFIVE: Noel Williams

The following HighFIVE profile appears in the 2017 Summer issue of Colorado Tennis newspaper.

Noel Williams

It might surprise those of who know Noel Williams as a tireless, fun-loving, dedicated volunteer that deep down, he loves to argue. That’s right! He loves to argue that tennis is the greatest lifelong sport out there and for anyone considering challenging him, be forewarned…. Noel’s conviction is impressive.

Noel picked up tennis at 20, and has worked to earn his PTR 10 and Under certification, as well as becoming USPTA and USTA Recreational Coach certified. But you quickly get the feeling that what Noel is seeking to do on a tennis court extends far beyond teaching tennis strokes and play strategies. He’s in it to reach young people on how to approach the game of life in the best way possible.

“Whether I am talking to someone brand new to the sport, or coming back to the sport, it’s about the need for balance,” Noel explains. “It’s my belief that with good balance you can do just about anything at an above average level.” He also said improving balance extends beyond the physical aspect. “I talk about controlled aggression, and emotional balance as that translates directly into life.” His favorite saying is simple, “Exercise control before you exercise power.”

Reaching people with the opportunity to play a lifelong sport and teaching life’s parallels came naturally to Noel whose parents grew up in the early 1960s in the civil rights movement, instilling in all their kids a strong sense of servant leadership. Noel  is the IT  Manager at the Hyland Hills Parks and Recreation and teaches regular private lessons.

When asked what he believes are the biggest challenges young people face today Noel was quick to respond. “It sounds almost cliché,” he said, “but them trying to find out what’s moral and what’s not. They have so many distractions and it’s so easy to lose their path.” He also said that in many cases he’s seen, the role of the parents has been diminished. “Kids are stupid by design,” he joked, impressing the need for the right context for the bold statement. “Kids aren’t supposed to know everything. Parents are supposed to be guiding, that’s how it should work.”

Noel connecting one-on-one with kids on the court gives him a chance to check in and see how they are doing in life outside of tennis. He’s particularly focused on making sure young girls are feeling positive about themselves. He wants them to see themselves as strong, smart and capable and said often the boys he works with don’t share the same insecurities. “They feel they are the greatest thing in the world,” he laughs about many of his young male athletes.

A father to son, Xavier (played D3 tennis at Swarthmore in PA) and daughter, Bryonna, Noel appreciates the bridge that tennis builds in communities. “Tennis breaks down so many barriers,” he said of the variety people playing with and against each other. “It’s beautiful how everyone comes together and all of the differences between everyone just become background.”