Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort, ranked among the top 50 tennis resorts in the world by Tennis Resorts Online, hires Rhett Russell as the new Director of Racquet Sports. Russell replaces Renee Broxson who led the Hidden Dunes Tennis program for more than 17 years.
Russell brings a long career of tennis instruction and tournament play along with the support of his racquet wielding family, which includes wife, Amy Russell, and six children who have all earned their own prestigious tennis rankings and recognition. In high school, Russell earned the Prince Scholastic All American and he credits the City of Fairhope where he led the summer kids tennis camps for starting his tennis career. After graduating from the University of Alabama, he became the Tennis Director at Lake Forest Racquet Club for three years, and then became the Tennis Director for the City of Orange Beach, where he stayed for 18 years. Most recently, he served as the head tennis pro at Sea Island. Raised in Gulf Shores, Ala., Russell is excited about returning to and working on the Gulf Coast.
“I’ve been visiting Mirarmar Beach for as long as I can remember. In fact, I played the Helen Drake Invitational in Miramar Beach in 2006 where I met my wife, Amy,” said Russell. “We’re excited to move here with our children and continue the expert instruction and game matching that Hidden Dunes Tennis Center has become known for under Renee’s leadership.”
With the support of his wife and six children, Russell has a vision for Hidden Dunes Resort award-winning tennis program. With six clay and three hard pickleball courts, Hidden Dunes Resort Tennis Center is well suited for level-based match playing, round robins, socials, and tournaments. Russell’s plans include a focus on junior clinics as well as parent/child instruction and matches. He plans to continue the Annual Hubert Kessler Invitational held at Hidden Dunes Tennis Center as well as introduce an all-women tournament. Tennis packages for women’s tennis weekends is also one of Russell’s goals for the tennis center.
“Players come to Hidden Dunes Resort for the personalized service and attention,” said Russell. “We’ll continue that focus and add compelling programming. I plan to bring my ‘Drills, Skills & Thrills” program, which is appropriate for all skill levels as well as introduce a cardio-tennis program and Game 105.”
A USPTA Certified Elite Pro, Russell has been a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) for more than 22 years, and served as the president of USPTA Alabama for two consecutive years.
“Passion, enthusiasm, and giving your best effort each lesson whether it’s teaching an adult, junior, or tiny tot player is what makes a difference,” said Russell. “I try to listen and give each client what they want.”
Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort is consistently named a “Silver Medal Resort,” by Tennis Resorts Online, placing Hidden Dunes Tennis among the top 50 tennis resorts. The tennis center is nestled within Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort, a 27-acre Gulf-front resort overlooking Northwest Florida’s white sand beaches. Winding foot paths, lush gardens and bubbling fountains make relaxing easy at the secluded resort, which features three pools, hot tubs, grilling stations, and basketball and horseshoe courts. With three types of vacation rental options--Gulf-front condominiums, lakeside villas and Carolina-style cottages—the Florida tennis resort is popular with families year-round and is popular with snowbirds during the winter months (monthly rates offered for January and February). For overnight stays, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties offers a variety of well-appointed vacation rental options and manages the on-site rental office, providing a convenient location for check-in and concierge services. For more information on Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort and accommodation options, visit www.HiddenDunesDestin.com or call 1-800-225-7652. For more information on the tennis offerings, visit https://www.hiddendunesdestin.com/resort/tennis/ or call 850-269-2590.
