Conversations with Dr. Fox:  An Advanced Degree in Tennis Theory

It all started at Pepperdine in 1984.

Shrewd. I think that word actually landed me the job. In 1984, I was a freshman at Pepperdine University. During my second semester, I learned that Dr. Allen Fox – head coach of the Pepperdine men’s tennis team, a former world – class player, a Ph.D. in psychology, and a published author – was looking for counselors to work at his summer tennis camp.

While my experience as a tennis instructor was limited – I’d worked as a counselor the previous summer at another camp (name withheld) and was not asked to return – I still considered myself a fine candidate for the position. And so, because I could, I strolled right up to the courts and introduced myself to Dr. Fox.

Dr. Fox looked me up and down. Especially down. In honor of the occasion, I’d worn my finest jeans – the ones I’d carefully bleached to be white below the knees. Seeing that these unique pants had made a powerful impression on Dr. Fox, I felt emboldened to offer my services right on the spot. Dr. Fox listened to my spiel, and, still staring at my pants, made it clear that…