Discover Coach Molly's Tennis Journey and Expert Tips

We're excited to introduce you to Molly Lentini, a fabulous tennis coach in Ann Arbor, Michigan with an impressive background.  

Molly's tennis journey began early in life. Growing up in West Palm Beach, Florida, she was not just a tennis enthusiast but also an avid horse rider and a dedicated ballet dancer. Tennis, however, was her true calling, nurtured from the tender age of four by her tennis-playing parents. Her training began in early childhood and continued throughout her high school years as a student at The Kings Academy. During high school, she played varsity tennis and participated in USTA tournaments, including the Gator Bowl, Nationals, and State tournaments. She earned a full tennis scholarship to college, where she played number one doubles and singles, breaking university records along the way.

Molly has been coaching since she was 21, including stints at USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida and Isleworth in Windermere, Florida. We recently sat down with Molly for a Q&A on her coaching philosophy and experiences.

What aspects of being a tennis coach do you most enjoy?

I enjoy hearing people's stories and impacting someone's life in a positive way. I love the technicalities, strategies, and seeing the facial expressions of individuals who grasp a concept that is being taught.

You used to work at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. Would you share with us some highlights from that experience?

My favorite memory is hanging out with Frances Tiafoe's dad and telling him about Pedialyte for electrolyte replacement. I went to the nearest store, bought a box, thinking I would give him a packet, and he ended up taking the whole box.  I let him and smiled thinking I did a good deed! The next day, I was gifted Frances' racquet, which he played and won with in the Miami Open Finals. He signed the grip for me and thanked me. He's been drinking Pedialyte ever since!

Who are some favorite tennis players you've met?

I love Venus Williams. I have a personalized letter and autograph from her. CiCi Bellis is a ball of joy, and Lindsay Davenport is the kindest woman on earth. Chris Evert commented on my service stroke when I was playing on the next court to her son. I was also in Joy Macci's national demonstration for her tour. Andre Agassi is pretty cool too.

Who of the professional tennis players has a game style you admire? What is it about their style you admire?

I love Federer because of his emotional intelligence, Nadal because he has my forehand grip, Venus and Serena Williams as I was coached by the same coach, and Steffi Graf was my idol growing up because of her drive.

You are known for your amazing topspin. Tell us how you achieve it, if it's not a secret!

Hours of practice! Also my crazy grip! It’s an extreme western grip, most people call it Hawaiian as a joke.

You coach a lot of women USTA tennis players. Tell us about the most common feedback you give on the courts.

Believe in themselves and be confident in their game because they are good at it. Also, understanding positioning is a crucial strategy.

Do you advise recreational tennis players to watch YouTube videos to improve their game? If so, is there anyone in particular you recommend?

Tennis technique should never injure you. If the video is teaching you a purpose and explaining "this is why you should be doing this ..." then I say more power to you! Always question when coaches are teaching you. If someone can’t explain why they are teaching you something, don’t listen to them! Pros who know what they’re talking about are able to explain the reasons behind their teachings.

You've got a CourtMerch "It's Grass Season" t-shirt. Tell us what you think about it.

Molly: I think it is so cute! I love the tennis ball character and the tea cup design. It's very comfy too!