Scott Barker

"I like coaching at Norwich because I enjoy watching how the civilian students interact with the Corps students. I believe they help each other succeed, which keeps everyone on track."

Experience the mastery of Coach Scott Barker. With an impressive 40-year journey through managing and training tennis players from different levels and ages, his wisdom is beyond compare. 

Backed by prestigious certifications from the United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR) and United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), he’s equipped with unparalleled skills to upgrade your game regardless of your current level. Be ready to skyrocket your performance under his guidance.

He fearlessly embarked on a journey to dramatically improve tennis teaching methods early in his life. Armed with his uniquely designed model, he helps to transform players’ games rapidly. His precise and individual-focused teaching tactics have been successfully put in place to improve numerous high school, college, and professional tennis players.

Coach Highlights

Barker boasts a wealth of experience managing tennis clubs across North Carolina, Florida, and Vermont. His engaging spirit never rests as he continues to contribute back to the tennis community with fervor and gusto.

• United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR) Certified Professional
• United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Certified Professional
• Founder of The Vermont Tennis Academy, established in 2012
• Montpelier’s tennis director since 2013, mentoring players of all levels
• Honored as USTA New England’s Volunteer of the Year in 2013 for his dedication to growing the sport

Q&A with Head Coach Barker

What do you like most about coaching at Norwich?

I have always loved the sport of tennis, since the age of nine, when I first started playing the game. As I grew older, I realized that helping other players to learn the game of tennis was an ambition of mine, and I was told by my peers and mentors that tennis may be a great career path for me to follow. At the age of 19, I became one of the youngest certified tennis teaching professionals in the world after attending The Van Der Meer Tennis University passing the United States Professional Tennis Registry exam. I love coaching this sport because tennis is not just a sport, but a way of molding people to succeed.

What excites you about this sport?

Watching people have fun while getting a tremendous amount of exercise excites me about tennis. I love to watch how players "problem solve" during a match to try to win. It also excites me to watch players use tennis as their exercise regimen.

What do you enjoy about working with student-athletes?

I love working with student athletes because I learn something new from them every time, we are together. I love to help students try to organize their school schedules, so they can participate in a sport that can enrich their lives.

What do you like about coaching at Norwich?

I like coaching at Norwich because I enjoy watching how the civilian students interact with the Corps students. I believe they help each other succeed, which keeps everyone on track.

Why is Norwich a great place for student-athletes?

I believe that Norwich is a good place for student athletes because playing sports helps students mature by interacting with other athletes in various stressful and non-stressful situations.

What is your approach to coaching?

My approach to coaching is getting to know your athletes. I make sure at each practice that I talk to each student individually to find out how they are doing personally and with their studies. I then talk about their tennis.

What is Norwich’s approach to athletics, training, and being on a team?

I believe that Norwich's approach to athletics, training, and being on a team is very fair. Norwich gives all student's a fair chance to try out and compete on a varsity, or club team, no matter what their level.