Ann Grossman: From Tennis Tots To Tennis Star
Living in the Zone podcast welcomes Ann Grossman
Welcome to “Living in the Zone”, where we delve deep into the world of peak performance through the insights of top athletes, coaches, leaders and champions of all walks of life. In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Ann Grossman, a Certified ZoneCoach® and the current president of the Women’s Tennis Coaches Association (WTCA). Ann’s journey through professional tennis, combined with her long-standing relationship with the S.C.O.R.E.® System, offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to achieve excellence in both their professional and personal lives.
Ann Grossman’s introduction to the S.C.O.R.E.® System came almost 50 years ago in a program called “Tennis Tots,” started by ZoneCoach® founder and Living in the Zone Podcast host Jim Fannin. It was here that Ann first met Jim and began to utilize the principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® System to attract peak performance in her tennis game. This early exposure laid the foundation for her successful career, where she reached as high as #29 in the World and competed in every Grand Slam event in singles and doubles.
A S.C.O.R.E.® Powered Tennis Career
Ann’s professional tennis career is a story of tenacity and triumph. Known for her powerful game and unyielding determination, she made a significant impact on the sport. As a highschool graduate, Ann was already a top 75 ranked player in the world. Her success continued as she climbed as high as #29 while traveling the world on the professional tennis circuit. Competing at the highest levels, including all four Grand Slam tournaments, Ann faced the world’s best players and consistently demonstrated her exceptional skills and competitive spirit.
“My journey in professional tennis was filled with incredible highs and challenging lows,” Ann recalls. “Each match, each tournament, taught me something new about myself and the game. It was a journey of constant growth and self-discovery.”
Ann’s tennis journey was not without its challenges. Like many athletes, she faced setbacks and obstacles that tested her resilience. Through it all, the principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® System provided her with a framework to navigate these difficulties and emerge stronger.
“Setbacks are a part of life, whether you’re an athlete or not,” Ann shares. “What the S.C.O.R.E.® System taught me is how to approach these challenges with the right mindset. By focusing my thoughts on what mattered most, I was able to stay committed to my goals, even when things didn’t go as planned.”
A key component of the S.C.O.R.E.® System is visualization, a tool Ann utilized extensively throughout her professional career. Visualization involves creating a mental image of success, which helps in manifesting that success in reality. For Ann, this practice was pivotal in preparing for matches and maintaining focus under pressure.
“Before every match, I would spend time visualizing my performance,” Ann explains. “I would see myself executing perfect shots, moving effortlessly around the court, and ultimately winning. This mental preparation was just as important as my physical training.”
S.C.O.R.E.® Beyond the Tennis Court: A Champion Mother
The benefits of the S.C.O.R.E.® System extends well beyond the tennis court. Ann has successfully applied these principles in her personal life, particularly in her role as a champion mother and as the current President of the WTCA. Raising two world-class decision-makers, she credits the S.C.O.R.E.® System with providing her with the tools to foster a supportive and empowering environment for her children.
“As a mother, the principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® System have been invaluable,” Ann says. “Teaching my children the fundamentals of S.C.O.R.E.® has helped them become resilient and confident individuals. We’ve used relaxation techniques to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook, even during challenging times.”
Ann’s approach to parenting highlights the versatility of the S.C.O.R.E.® System and its applicability to various aspects of life. By instilling these values in her children, she has equipped them with the skills to navigate their own paths to success.
Transitioning from tennis star to Leadership: The WTCA
Years after retiring from professional tennis, Ann seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role that would allow her to continue contributing to the sport she loves. As the current President of the Women’s Tennis Coaches Association (WTCA), Ann is dedicated to enhancing the overall coaching of female players and keeping more girls in tennis. Under her leadership, the WTCA has become a beacon of support and excellence for women coaches across the game of tennis.
Ann explains, “The WTCA is about more than just tennis coaching; it’s about creating a supportive community for female athletes,” Ann explains. “We aim to provide the best resources and guidance to help these players thrive both on and off the court.”
S.C.O.R.E.® Coaching and Mentoring
Now, as a Certified ZoneCoach® and president of the Women’s Tennis Coaches Association, Ann is passionate about coaching individual clients in the S.C.O.R.E.® System. She derives great satisfaction from helping others reach their peak performance and achieve their goals.
“Coaching is incredibly rewarding,” Ann states. “Seeing my clients apply the S.C.O.R.E.® principles and experience breakthroughs in their performance is fulfilling. It’s about more than just improving their game—it’s about helping them develop a mindset that will benefit them in all areas of life.”
Ann’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that anyone can achieve their best-self with the right mindset and tools. She emphasizes the importance of personalized coaching, understanding that each individual has unique needs and goals.
An Inspiring Journey
Ann Grossman’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment. From her early days on the farm to her rise in professional tennis and her influential role as a leader and coach, Ann’s journey is a source of inspiration for many. Her dedication to the sport, her commitment to empowering others, and her application of the S.C.O.R.E.® System exemplifies what it means to live in the Zone.
We invite you to join us for this exciting episode of “Living in the Zone” as we feature Ann Grossman. Her journey from a determined young girl on a farm to a professional tennis star and influential leader is sure to inspire and uplift. Ann’s insights on peak performance, overcoming setbacks, and empowering the next generation of champions are not to be missed.
Conclusion
Ann Grossman’s journey from a young “Tennis Tot” to a world-class athlete and respected coach is a testament to the power of her own will, determination and trust in the S.C.O.R.E.® System. Her experiences underscore the value of a holistic approach to peak performance, one that integrates mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
As we conclude this episode of “Living in the Zone,” we are reminded of the enduring impact of the S.C.O.R.E.® System and the possibilities it unlocks for those who embrace it. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a professional, or simply someone striving for personal growth, the principles of the S.C.O.R.E.® System offer a proven path to achieving your best self.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights on “Living in the Zone,” and remember to keep living, working, and playing in the Zone.