Austin Tennis Academy has hired veteran junior coach Chad Loup to become the latest addition to its all-star coaching staff, CEO Jack Newman announced last week.

“ATA is fortunate to have been able to hire Chad Loup, whose experiences include being a head tennis professional, a highly ranked player, as well as someone who is plugged into the Texas and USTA tennis communities,” Newman said. “His skill set will allow him to help ATA in all elements of our programs. His high energy coaching will be appreciated by any student he works with.”

Chad grew up playing competitive tennis in Humble, Texas. While studying Economics at the University of Texas, he worked for the Competitive Department of USTA Texas until 2011. Chad administered Regional Training Center Player Development Camps, as well as recruited coaches and players for USTA National Teams.

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Coach Loup celebrates with ATACP’s Callie Creath during the 2016 ATA Scholarship Shootout

In 2011, Chad left the USTA to coach full time at Lost Creek Country Club, where he helped develop a junior program that was a leader in Ten and Under Tennis in Texas. Chad has served on numerous USTA Texas committees, including the Executive Committee and the Junior Tennis Council.

“I am thrilled to join the Austin Tennis Academy,” Loup said. “I have worked directly with ATA players, coaches, and parents for many years due to my involvement with USTA Player Development, as a Zonals Coach, and as a Tournament Director. Joining this team has been a wonderful transition because of my close relationships with the great staff here and the players who I have been fortunate enough to watch grow up.”

Outside of tennis and cheering for Houston pro sports teams, Chad keeps himself busy with a number of hobbies. On a weekend off, you might find Chad playing golf, seeing live music, catching a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse, trying new restaurants, camping, going to his families ranch, scuba diving, wake surfing, or just spending as much time as possible with his family and friends.

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“I am so thankful for how kind and welcoming all of the ATA players and parents have already been, and I look forward to building new relationships within the community,” Chad said.

Coach Loup will work with most or all of the programs, ages and skill levels while he gets up and running at ATA.

“I plan to use my diverse tennis background to simply complement what I believe is one of the most experienced and passionate team of coaches in the country,” Loup said. “Mostly, I am looking forward to helping spread the ATA mission, and helping the players here grow as people and citizens of significance, as well as myself.”