Dominique (aka Dom) joins the HTP Podcast to share a vulnerable and inspiring journey—from her early days in the Bahamas to tennis academies in the U.S. to becoming a psychotherapist.

Dom opens up about choosing tennis over other sports at age 12, what it was like moving alone to the U.S. at 14, and how a sport she once hated became the catalyst for her career in mental health.

We dive into the highs, the heartbreaks, and how her experience as a young athlete struggling with perfectionism and self-doubt gave her emotional resilience she leans on today.

This is a must-listen for any tennis player—or parent—navigating the mental game.

5 Key Points:

1. Early Tennis Roots
   • Starting tennis at age 7, coached by her mom
   • Choosing tennis over other sports at age 12 for longevity
2. Academy Life & Culture Shock
   • Moving from the Bahamas to the U.S. at 14
   • The challenges of adapting to a new culture and tennis intensity
3. Mental Struggles in Tennis
   • Dealing with self-doubt, perfectionism, pressure
   • Feeling unsupported by coaches and peers at times
4. Resilience Through Hardship
   • How injuries, losses, and transitions shaped mental toughness
   • Learning to shift her internal dialogue
5. Career Transformation
   • How tennis inspired her path in psychology
   • Now working as a psychotherapist and clinical manager

Tennis isn’t just about the wins and losses—it’s about who you become along the way.

In this episode, Gira sits down with Greg to unpack how focusing on the process over results helps athletes thrive, both on and off the court. Greg shares how his father’s love for tennis laid the groundwork for a lifelong journey of growth and teaching players to prioritize mindset and personal growth over trophies alone.

They also explore the evolving tennis industry, the role of mental preparation, and how to lead athletes toward a healthier, more resilient approach to the sport.

Whether you’re a tennis parent, player, or coach, this conversation will inspire you to reframe setbacks as stepping stones and to find purpose beyond results. Don’t miss it!

5 Key Points:

The Impact of Joy

• Gira shares how Greg helped her during mental struggles in Germany, emphasizing the importance of finding joy off the court

Greg’s Tennis Journey

• From backyard courts to college and coaching, Greg’s story illustrates how tennis shaped his personal and professional life.

Process Over Outcome

• Discussion on Achievement Goal Theory and why focusing on tasks and growth over results reduces burnout and builds longevity.

Evolving Tennis Culture

• Insights on tennis vs. pickleball, the changing landscape of the sport, and using tennis as a vehicle for personal growth.

Mental Preparation & Presence

• How to help athletes stay present, embrace mistakes, and navigate ups and downs with a process-focused mindset.

Leslie Banks started tennis at age 3 and never looked back. Now, as the founder of Serve the Future, she’s using her lifelong love for the game to empower underserved youth through tennis, opening doors many never thought possible.

From her early days growing up in a competitive tennis family to coaching at just 15, Leslie shares her journey of grit, resilience, and growth within the tennis world. She dives into the challenges of transitioning from coaching at clubs in Houston to stepping out on her own in Phoenix, where she followed her calling to create a nonprofit dedicated to making tennis accessible for all.

In this episode, Leslie pulls back the curtain on the real behind-the-scenes of building and sustaining a nonprofit, including the emotional and financial challenges that come with the mission. She shares stories of students whose lives have been transformed through tennis—like the student who is now attending MIT—and how focusing on these success stories fuels her through the toughest days.

Leslie reminds us that to create true impact, you need flexibility, passion, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Whether you’re a coach, player, or parent, you’ll walk away inspired to look beyond yourself and see how tennis can change lives—both on and off the court.

If you would like to donate to Serve The Future or learn more about this amazing nonprofit. Go check out their website, where STF is helping underprivileged kids learn tennis and leadership skills for success. https://www.servethefuture.org/

KEY POINTS:

✅ The grit it takes to build a nonprofit from the ground up

✅ How tennis teaches independence, resilience, and life skills

✅ Why creating community is key to growing the game

✅ The power of focusing on your “why” during hard days

✅ Actionable insights for anyone looking to serve the next generation

If you’ve ever wondered how you can give back through tennis—or need a reminder of why tennis is more than just a sport—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now on the HTP Podcast, and join us in changing the culture of tennis, one conversation at a time.