We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sukhwa Young. Check out our conversation below.
Sukhwa, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I laugh on a daily basis. There is something in my circle called the rule of 64… don’t take yourself too seriously.
For feeling of pride. I feel proud that I’ve achieved a certain goal i set for myself. To take a kid who is fairly new and develop him or her to the highest level of junior tennis. I coached a kid from when he was playing local tournaments as a 12 year old… and got him to win be ranked as high as number 1 in the USA in the 16s and 18s and top 30 in the world playing the in men’s US Open.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Sukhwa Young. Co owner of Eric Dobsha Tennis. I am a tennis coach, a husband, and a parent of two wonderful kids.
We operate our tennis academy in Tampa, Florida. We mainly focus on junior tennis and service a range of all levels and ages from beginner to professional. We have three locations with each location having a different identity but the same purpose and vision. We always put the kids first and grow leaders that will in turn grow leaders.
We started this academy in 2017 and most of our staff has been with us for over 5 years.
Our students consist of 4 year olds playing tennis for the first time up to kids playing in the junior grand slams.
My next personal project will be holding more tennis tournaments for the younger and lower level divisions and getting families more involved in tennis. I want to get the community involved and find a way to give back as well.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed everything was about me. I was a competitive tennis player and the world revovled around me. After having a family of my own and maturing a bit, I realized life is about everyone else except me. My purpose became how can I be of service. That translates to me as a coach as well. It is not a out what I say or how I look. It is about the student. I need to be good enough to use destiny my student and have him or her tap into the best of themselves and make them believe they did that themselves. My role is to be of maximum service to those around me whether that be as a coach, business partner, boss, husband, or father. Life is much more rewarding for me this way.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I change my mind constantly. Everyday I wake up and pretend I am I beginner in life. I have great people around me and never assume I know best. Eric Dobsha has been a coach since I was still a kid. I trust his guidance along with many others when it comes to areas I don’t know. My oldest child is 9. I have not been a father that long and don’t assume I am father of the year or husband of the year. I know I can grow in all areas of my life and have no problem changing my mind no matter how important I think the matter is.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That there is a miracle technique, tactic, strategy, equipment, or training program that can get you your desired results. There is never a guarantee on results because that is not something you can control.
Understanding tennis is a process and that results are just a byproduct of the process is what alot of places miss. There is no get rich quick method. So then we must learn to embrace and enjoy the journey and focus on what we can control.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That somehow I possess secret knowledge other coaches do not possess. I have had some kids have some pretty good results in all levels of tennis. This makes people think I am some great coach when I do not think I am the best coach in my own academy. I do my absolute best for the students yes. But there is no secret sauce. My goal is just to be of maximum service and that may look different depending on who you are and where you are in your tennis journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DobshaTennis.com
- Instagram: Ericdobshatennis
