Thomas Cooper has been named the newest First Volley tennis instructor, becoming the eighth certified instructor for OPAF and The First Clinics’ adaptive tennis program. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the game to his appointment.
Cooper is a cancer survivor and parent of two daughters; his eldest was born missing her fibula and is a transtibial amputee. Together they recently led the First Volley adaptive tennis clinic for the Tampa, Florida, Shriners Hospitals for Children’s No Limits Sports Day. More than 25 Shriners kids learned tennis skills and drills at the event.
“We are thrilled to have Tom join the First Volley family as both a tennis teaching professional and as a parent,” said Robin Burton, OPAF executive director. “He brings both his enthusiasm for the game as well as a love and understanding for the physically challenged population. We are honored to have someone of his stature on our team of professional teachers and coaches.”
Cooper holds a master of science degree in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, and is an active duty officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.