Getting to Know: Charles Akinloye 

Charles has been a coach at our Trumbull location for the past 25 years. He was born and raised in Nigeria until he came to America to further his education at Livingston College for this Bachelor’s degree and at the University of Bridgeport for his Master’s Degree.  

Q: What sparked your interest in tennis? Do you have any motivation? 

A: Growing up back home in Nigeria I happened to live very close to a tennis club. I was a ball boy and I was so fascinated with the members and the all white dress code. I thought to myself ‘Oh wow, this is really really neat!’ I got interested and from time to time I would go to this club and hit balls with my friends, hoping that one day I would know how to play a game and eventually it was just the right timing. 

Q: Do you have an age preference you like to work with? 

A: No, I have no age preference. I work with kids from 4 years old all the way to adults. In fact, my oldest client is 93 years old!

Q: How many days a week are you here at the club giving lessons? 

A: I’m here 7 days a week! No off days.

Q: Do you have a favorite stroke or trick shot you can show us? 

A: Yes, I do. It’s when you trick your opponent into thinking you’re going for a full blast overhead shot, but you miss it on purpose and instead do a drop shot, completely catching your opponent off guard. 

Q: Do you have any role models that you look up to? 

A: Yes, I look up to Roger Federer. I admire his clean techniques and I’m that kind of player too. I like my shots to be clean and he’s a wonderful guy. 

Q: Do you have anything significant about your past or a fun fact you would like to share?
A: Yes, I was actually the #1 junior player in Nigeria. Not only was I the #1 junior player, but I played in the ATP tour and ranked 630 in the world.