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When John Neal’s son joined Charlottesville High School’s tennis team, the local father of two agreed to help out during practices, thinking he’d use his own experience and love of the game to support the Black Knights on the court. He did not foresee the winning match ahead of him.
Seven seasons later, the elder Neal is still at CHS as director of tennis, and he’s coached the boys team to back-to-back state championships in ’24 and ’25. In 2026, the boys placed second while their teammate Sean Frank took home the state title in singles. Neal was recognized as the National Coach of the Year by the United States Tennis Association in 2025, and this spring the girls tennis team went 11-5 in its first season under his direction.
Neal’s simple approach makes it easy for players at all levels to pick up a racket. “Tennis can feel intimidating at first, but I use what I call the universal language of tennis—a teaching approach that helps every player understand exactly what they are trying to accomplish and what the goal is with each stroke,” he says. “When you simplify the game that way, players make real progress quickly and that progress is what keeps them coming back. My goal is to make sure that from the very first ball they hit, they feel like they belong on that court.”
Neal, who’s been playing since the age of 6, says he’s seen the sport deliver more than aces and match points. He describes the court as a classroom for personal growth, a way to find community, and build lifelong friendships.
Intent on playing these lessons forward, Neal shares advice that guides him: “Stay present. Whether you’re on the court, in the classroom, or navigating life’s biggest challenges—the only point that matters is the one you’re playing right now.”
