ABOUT AJ

Armando Garcia Jr., known to all of us as AJ, is one of ATA’s Academy coaches who also works with our Junior Academy, Junior Development and Summer Camp programs. He’s also the Director of Junior Team Tennis.

Coach Garcia first came to Austin Tennis Academy back in 2012 from Corpus Christi as a junior player. He received a full scholarship to attend one of ATA’s summer camps. After seeing his infectious passion and drive for the sport, ATA granted him a two-year full scholarship to live, study, and train at the ATA with Coach Newman.

Upon graduation from ATA College Prep, Coach Garcia attended Southwestern University, where he played Division III collegiate tennis while earning a B.A. in Communication Studies. Coach Garcia, along with his fellow teammates and Coach Billy Porter, were able to transform an unranked team into a team that reached as high as 28th in the nation, breaking multiple school records in the process. Coach Garcia is a first-generation high school and college graduate.

AJ’s story speaks to what the Austin Tennis Academy is all about; building one’s character while developing all the tools needed to succeed in college, collegiate tennis, and life. ATA’s philanthropy has had a positive impact on Coach Garcia, the lives of many others, and continues to make a difference.

Click on the ATA Insights graphic just below to view ‘A Conversation With AJ’ video.