2013 — The Starting Point

 

 

The roots of EDT trace back to the summer of 2013 — a period that marked both a professional reset and a deeply personal moment of support. After stepping away from a Director of Tennis role, uncertainty created space to pause and reassess what the next chapter could look like.

 

During this time, Kelly, Eric’s wife, provided the stability and encouragement that made reflection and intentional decision-making possible. With her support, there was no pressure to rush into the next position or relocate. Instead, the focus shifted toward finding the right path forward — one that aligned with values, purpose, and long-term vision.

 

That summer, early lessons began informally on neighborhood courts. What started as a handful of sessions became an important reconnection to the joy of teaching and the type of environment that truly helps players grow. Those first steps — supported by trust, patience, and partnership at home — became the foundation for everything that followed.

 

 

2013–2014 — Grassroots Beginnings

 

 

As word spread, more families and players began showing up. Programming expanded into public parks and temporary court locations, driven entirely by demand rather than marketing. These early days were defined by flexibility, creativity, and a simple goal: teach well, care deeply, and let the work speak for itself.

 

This grassroots approach laid the foundation for EDT’s long-term philosophy — growth built on relationships, not shortcuts.

 

 

2014–2016 — Establishing an Identity

 

 

As the program continued to grow, it became clear that it needed an identity that reflected its culture. The name Eric Dobsha Tennis (EDT) took shape during this period, along with early apparel and branding.

 

The logo and T-shirts were intentionally designed to feel modern, coastal, and understated — something different from traditional tennis branding. The goal wasn’t to be loud or overly formal, but to create something players genuinely wanted to wear both on and off the court.

 

What began as a small run of shirts quickly became a symbol of belonging. Players asked for them, wore them proudly, and identified with what EDT represented: effort, individuality, and community. The logo reflected a larger idea — EDT wasn’t something you stumbled upon accidentally, but once you found it, it stood out.

 

 

2016–2018 — Building Consistency

 

 

During these years, EDT operated across multiple seasonal locations, refining its coaching approach and development pathways. Programs rotated between courts and communities, requiring adaptability while reinforcing a consistent culture and standard of instruction.

 

This period focused on learning — what worked, what didn’t, and how to build a model that could last.

 

 

2018 — First Long-Term Facility Opportunity

 

 

A major milestone came with access to a more permanent facility. This allowed EDT to move from short-term scheduling into long-term planning, deeper community integration, and expanded adult and team programming.

 

Having a consistent home base marked a turning point in how the program could serve players and families more effectively.

 

 

A Defining Partnership — Sukhwa Joins EDT

 

 

As EDT continued to evolve, one of the most important chapters began with the addition of Sukhwa. His arrival represented more than coaching depth — it marked true alignment in philosophy, trust, and long-term vision.

 

Sukhwa became central to the growth of EDT’s high-performance pathway, bringing balance, connection, and consistency to the environment. Over time, that partnership grew into shared ownership and shared responsibility — a reflection of EDT’s belief in investing in people who invest fully in the work, the players, and the culture.

 

EDT is stronger because of this partnership, and its influence continues to shape the organization today.

 

 

2019–2020 — Expanding Development Pathways

 

 

With a growing junior base, EDT formally expanded its competitive and high-performance pathways. The emphasis remained on fundamentals, accountability, and thoughtful progression — avoiding rushed timelines or one-size-fits-all approaches.

 

This phase clarified EDT’s role as both a developmental and performance-oriented organization.

 

 

2020 — EDT Officially Founded

 

 

While the philosophy, community, and culture had been developing for years, EDT officially launched as a business in 2020, bringing structure, systems, and long-term vision to programs already well established in practice.

 

 

Hunter’s Green — Opportunity Through Trust

 

 

Another pivotal moment came through Chris, who played a key role in opening the door to the Hunter’s Green location. At a time when EDT was managing growth and capacity across multiple sites, this opportunity allowed expansion without compromising standards.

 

Hunter’s Green became an important chapter — offering space, flexibility, and the ability to support higher-level training during a critical growth phase. More importantly, it represented trust: trust in EDT’s ability to build culture, manage programs, and create value within a facility.

 

That trust helped shape the multi-location model EDT operates today.

 

 

2020–2022 — Strategic Growth

 

 

EDT expanded into additional facilities, navigating transitions, contracts, and operational challenges while strengthening its coaching staff and internal systems. These years emphasized sustainability, refinement, and protecting the culture that made the programs successful.

 

 

2023–Present — A Multi-Location Model

 

 

Today, EDT operates across three locations, supporting junior development, adult programming, high-performance training, and community engagement. While the footprint has grown, the mission remains unchanged: put players and families first, build strong environments, and grow thoughtfully.

 

 

 

The Story Continues

 

 

EDT’s growth has never been about one person, one program, or one location. It has been shaped by the coaches who committed to the work, the players who trusted the process, the families who believed in the environment, and the partners who helped open doors at the right moments.

 

Every chapter reflects effort, collaboration, and shared belief — and every person who has been part of the journey has left a mark on what EDT has become.

 

Once you’ve been part of EDT, you’re always part of the story.