For rising athlete, Aaron Umen, tennis is more than just a sport. As a tennis player and coach, the sport is equal parts passion and profession.
Aaron Umen’s childhood summers fostered a budding interest in sports. Along with family and friends, Umen regularly embarked on fishing trips. The tranquility relaxed the young fisherman. But it wasn’t long before another sport captured his attention: tennis. Ever since, he’s been more than hooked on perfecting his technique on the court. Now, his passion is turning into a promising profession. Outside of Umen’s participation on Case Western Reserve’s Men’s Tennis team, the player also works as a coach and counselor during off-season.
Case Western Reserve Men’s Tennis
Aaron Umen finished his high school tennis career off strong as captain of the varsity team. He also qualified for the MSHSAA State Tournament where he placed third in doubles. With his skills in full swing, Umen joined Case Western Reserve’s Men’s Tennis team in 2018. As a starting player on the NCAA Division III Varsity team, Umen dedicates over 20 hours per week to the sport. From rigorous training and practice to matches against other nationally ranked teams, the athlete is focused on improving his abilities. In 2019, his efforts earned him an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete Award. He was also recognized for accomplishments that included First-Team all UAA Honors.
Tennis Coach & Counselor
Even when Aaron Umen isn’t playing tennis for Case Western Reserve — he’s still playing tennis! Practice and training are year-round for Umen, with nearly no days off. Some say ‘practice makes perfect.’ But this athlete knows all too well that only perfect practice makes for perfect performance. He sheds light on this notion to the tennis players he trains as a coach and counselor at athletic clubs and country clubs. Since the summer of 2018, Umen has helped run tennis camps for players of varying ability levels. He has taught beginner and intermediate clinics as an assistant alongside head pros the likes of Terry Ward and Max Shapiro. Umen enjoys the value in teaching other players how to perfect their performance. The experience keeps him on his toes and his A-Game, ensuring that he also benefits from the practice.