JON PARRY
Born and raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts, I am a proud veteran of the United States Navy having served aboard the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67.
Prior to joining the Thoreau Club staff, I worked for nine years as the Head Pro at The Woodlands Club in Falmouth, Maine. I served on the Maine Tennis Association’s Board of Directors, and Executive Board of Directors from 2007 until 2018. I had the honor of being named the USTA Volunteer of the Year for the state of Maine and coaching the University of Southern Maine Men’s Tennis Team.
As a PTR Certified Tennis Professional with over a decade of experience teaching Juniors and Adults, beginner to nationally ranked, I passionately work with all abilities in an effort to advance every student to their full potential.
As an enthusiastic supporter of the USTA, I have thoroughly enjoyed my extensive experience in the USTA Adult and Junior Programs as a Competitor, Captain, Assistant, Coordinator, Tournament Director and Volunteer.
“Why” I choose to teach tennis is more important than any of my achievements. I strive to develop the person and not just the ability. Using the medium of tennis I infuse topics such as physics, mathematics, philosophy, problem-solving, kindness, and the list goes on. I believe through this amazing game a person can develop a higher level of character, a deeper understanding of themselves, and specifically children can learn to become self-sufficient.
Being an avid cyclist, I enjoy the benefits the sport offers for its cross-training and meditative qualities. I have completed rides and races of varying distances including a grueling one-day, 78-mile-ride over three mountain passes in the Rocky Mountains, peaking out at an altitude of over 11,000 feet. I am currently training to complete that ride and others in Colorado again this summer.