The Grotto Bay Beach Hotel is very fortunate to contract tennis pro, Terry Smith, who is certainly tall, dark, handsome, very talented and qualified. He is very popular on the East End with the locals and the tourists when it comes to teaching tennis.

Mr. Smith created "Island Tennis Promotions, Limited'', a company which manages tennis facilities on the Island since 1995. He manages the Castle Harbour Marriott tennis facilities also.

He became a USPTR certified teaching professional in 1993 under the direction of Dennis Van der Meer at the famous and prestigious Van der Meer Tennis University in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Since that time he has taken several courses to enhance his qualification and this keeps him moving around the tennis courts daily.

Unlike a lot of tennis pros, Mr. Smith did not start playing tennis until age 25 and he has played for 15 years. As a boy he was always into team sports and always a worthy opponent.

"One Good Friday I was playing tennis ball cricket. A friend marveled at how well I would play and told me I should seek out tennis. I did just that. The late Mr. Manders from the tennis stadium took me as a student. I mastered the basics in about a year and within two years I was playing in local tournaments. I was rated about number seven in the Island's A division,'' he reflected.

Mr. Smith loves interaction with people and admitted he has always been a teacher of sport in one way or another. He started his black belt in jujitsu, martial arts when he was 12, obtained a black belt and he has been teaching martial arts since age 18. He has coached and played basketball and soccer.

"I thrive on the challenge of bringing out the best in a person.'' Tennis is a sport of a lifetime and Mr. Smith holds daily clinics in addition to recreational tennis activities for players of all ages.

There are two basic questions tourists always ask after a lesson or a few sets: "What are the weather forecasts for the next few days? "Where's the Swizzle Inn?'' His recommendation for tourism involves tennis, of course. "I hope Bermuda will be promoted abroad as a training destination for tennis and various sports. The climate is so wonderful here all year and a great location for world class athletes.

"Bermuda could host more international tennis tournaments. In summary, beef up a sports training package!'' Mr. Smith beams with positive energy and is quite successful. He shared a few reasons for his success. "People tell me that I have an outgoing personality.

I rely upon good management skills in managing my time and energy and stay focused. I truly believe I have found my niche in life through tennis and helping others achieve at the game of tennis.'' Tennis Pro: Terry Smith is the tennis pro at Grotto Bay Resort. He is a popular teaching professional with locals and tourists. He enjoys helping people play their best.