Western Reserve Academy is thrilled to welcome Dr. Lance Nelson as our new Varsity Boys Tennis Coach. A dedicated educator in our Mathematics Department, Dr. Nelson brings a mix of analytical precision, boundless enthusiasm and a lifelong love of tennis to his new role.
“I actually have pretty limited experience as a coach,” he admitted. “I’ve always been on the other side, as an athlete.”
This may be true, but Dr. Nelson’s credentials as a player speak for themselves. Originally from sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, Dr. Nelson honed his game on the competitive junior circuit before earning an athletic scholarship for tennis at the University of Akron. There, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics, pairing a love of problem-solving with his tennis talent. Dr. Nelson continued his studies at Akron, earning a master’s degree in the same subject, during which he discovered an affinity for teaching — a revelation that led him to pursue his doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.
Dr. Nelson taught mathematics at his alma mater for 21 years before joining the WRA community to teach Discrete Mathematics, Calculus and Differential Equations, but it didn’t take long for him to step beyond the classroom. Shortly after arriving, he was invited to assist the Swimming & Diving team as an assistant coach, with plans to coach the JV tennis team.
"I knew I eventually wanted to get to the varsity coaching level, but I had no idea it would happen in my first year," he said. His experience as an assistant coach gave him valuable insight into WRA's coaching philosophy. Though his expertise in the water was limited, he focused on motivation and morale, learning WRA’s coaching philosophy from the ground (poolside) up.
Still, his heart has always belonged to the court. “What I know really well is tennis,” he emphasized.
He feels fortunate to start his coaching career with a talented and passionate team — players who love the sport and are eager to grow. Tennis has been in the spotlight at WRA this year, with Compass student and tennis athlete Keven Gong '25 developing LineCam, a cutting-edge technology that uses computer vision for digital line judging. This innovation could provide a scalable solution to the ongoing challenge of referee shortages in tennis.
"The guys are absolutely amazing," Dr. Nelson said. "Choosing squads was my first challenge. My instinct, of course, is to want to make everyone happy, but I set it up by having them play competitive matches. This way, they understand the outcome and have a goal to work toward."
With a holistic approach to coaching, Dr. Nelson carefully evaluates players’ strengths, ensuring they’re placed at the right level while encouraging those ready to push themselves further. "I believe that when you're around people who excel at something, you can elevate your own skills — go from good to great."
When considering the difference between a good player and a great one, he reflects on the synergy of skill and strategy. "There's a saying in tennis: you're only as good as your second serve. Some players go all out on their first serve, but if their second serve lacks consistency, it can cost them the match. It's about balancing power with precision."
To help his players improve, Dr. Nelson is implementing drills from his college days and seeking advice from his former teammates, many of whom are now teaching professionals. He also connects with players and coaches from the Towpath Tennis Center, continuously refining his approach by learning from others.
Dr. Nelson joins a long tradition of faculty coaches at WRA — mentors who cultivate both scholarship and sportsmanship, nourish the competitive spirit, and encourage harmony of mind and body. We are excited to have him leading the Boys Tennis team, and his players are equally eager to learn under his guidance. Here’s to a fantastic spring season and many more to come. Go Pios!
