FPS

Fremont High School Tennis Coach, Justin Bigsby was recently honored with the Nebraska Tennis Association’s High School Coach of the Year.

Justin Bigsby serves as the current high school boys and girls tennis coach for Fremont High School and supports and promotes USTA programs by consistently encouraging his players to participate in district level events (both Level 5 events as well as NET events.)

Bigsby’s high school team had a record of success in win-loss and/or in improvement of players during the season. The Fremont High School Boys’ Team improved their dual record from 4-4 in 2017 to 7-1 in 2018. The 2018 team was led by Alex Bigsby & Austin Callahan, who earned 4th place State medals at #1 doubles (the first State medalists for Fremont since 2006!)

Bigsby and his family will also be honored as Tennis Family of the Year.  From committee roles to tournament staff to weekends on the road, Justin, Sara, Alex, Abbie, and Anna have all embraced tennis and all that it has to offer.

“I’m honored to receive this award because of what it stands for.  The NTA Coach of the Year award isn’t so much about wins and losses, but more about building a program and including all student-athletes, no matter their ability level.  Our 12-court facility as provided me the opportunity to be a no-cut coach my entire career.  It just means that I’ve been able to introduce so many more young people to this sport and hopefully give them the opportunity to be part of a team and learn a sport that they can play for life,” says Bigsby

During the summer months you can find Justin & Sara help run all Fremont junior tournaments, Justin usually serving as Tournament Director or Referee and Sara facilitating the tournament desk. Alex, Abbie, & Anna all help with the behind-the-scenes operations of the tournaments, including facility cleaning, facility set-up and tear-down before/after tournaments, helping at the tournament desk, and running concessions.

Justin has facilitated junior tennis lessons (group & private), junior leagues, and free hitting sessions for over 20 years in Fremont. Alex has begun working with the Fremont YMCA in helping with group lessons as well as offering private lessons to young players just beginning to play competitive tennis. Additionally, Alex, Abbie & Anna have all volunteered with 10&under orange and red ball groups during the summer.

All three children have embraced the competitive side of the sport as well. Alex competes at both the district and sectional levels as well as on his high school tennis team. He has been consistently ranked in the top 30 of each age division since beginning junior competition in the 12 & under division and medaled in #1 doubles at the 2018 Class A State Tournament. Abbie and Anna both compete in local district level tournaments. And Abbie will be joining the high school girls team as a freshman this year.