The Acalanes tennis program is fortunate to have Coach Rick O’Brien on board to lead the Dons tennis program. Coach O’Brien comes to Acalanes after working with the Alhambra High tennis program for 16 years as well as head coaching stints at Pinole Valley and De Anza high schools. Rick was a highly-accomplished tennis player himself, having reached a 5.5 rating and garnering numerous trophies and plaques along the way, but he is most proud of receiving the NCTA sportsmanship award in 1995, 1996 and 1998 because it is an award that is voted on by the players.
Tennis has been a big part of Rick’s life since he was 8 years old. He learned tennis from his father and most of his best friends, favorite memories, success stories, and even his daughter and son are in some way linked to tennis. Rick’s passion for teaching and love for the game steered him towards coaching. He gains fulfillment from seeing student players develop, enjoy their success, and apply sportsmanship-based principles to tennis and other areas of their life. Rick finds it very rewarding when one of his past students hollers “Coach” at him in a coffee shop or grocery store!
Rick earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and retired in 2020 after 35 years at Chevron, where he led a variety of large global teams and traveled all over the world including France, England, Brazil, Argentina, the Philippines, Singapore and Greece. In retirement, Rick has enjoyed spending more time with family and friends, hiking, biking, singing, golfing and recently agreed to lead sing for an 80’s cover band!
Rick commented on how after only one month he feels welcomed, supported, and appreciated at Acalanes. He was floored when 51 boys signed up for the team and was impressed by the talent that already exists. Along with our other dedicated coaches (Gary Fiammengo, Lee Ann Gove and Mike Toni), Rick intends to share knowledge and experience with the boys and give them the tools and skills they will need to shake up the DAL. His favorite pro players were Jimmy Connors and Steffi Graf, but he knows he’ll have many new favorite players wearing blue!
Following pre-season matches on 2/24 and 3/1 at home, the Dons open league play on Thursday 3/10 at home versus Northgate. Come out and root on the Dons and Coach O’Brien sometime!