Down one set heading into a changeover at the 1980 Wimbledon mixed-doubles finals alongside his sister Tracy, John Austin did what any caring big brother would do in a time of need – go with a motivational pep talk.

“I had to come up with something wise,” said Austin. “I said, ‘Listen, whatever happens, don't panic.’ She looked at me and said that was the dumbest thing she ever heard, and we both started laughing.”

The unintentional levity worked. The Austins won the next two sets to become the first-ever brother-sister combo to win a Grand Slam title. It was just one of many highlights in John’s tennis career that included a second Wimbledon mixed-doubles finals appearance the following year, an NCAA doubles title at UCLA in 1978, a top-40 run on the ATP Tour, multiple stops as a tennis director and trainer and now NDP head varsity girls’ tennis coach.

In his first season at NDP this past spring, Austin and assistant coach Chris Nichols guided their team to the AIA state finals, as well as win the AIA state singles and doubles championships.

“I am very pleased in the team as I felt that they gave it all they could,” said the head coach. “High school sports are a balancing act between school obligations, community obligations, family obligations, friends and social activities. On the court, NDP gave it their all.

“This team was typical of many high school teams, as we have some excellent tournament players, some high intermediate players and some that this was a new experience. That is what high school tennis is about – a chance to have a shared goal and collective experience that can create a lifetime of memories for the players.”

Rising NDP sophomore Ariana Maestas who teamed with rising junior Gracie Cranford to win the 2024 state doubles championship under Austin’s tutelage added, “This past season was a great way to finish my freshman year. I enjoyed playing with great players, and overall the experience was amazing. Coach John and Coach Chris were very helpful throughout the season. They were very encouraging and without their encouragement the season would’ve been very tough. I am excited for the season next year.”

The entire tennis team heard plenty of “Austin-isms” during his first season at the helm. Along with a recurring emphasis on core fundamentals fueling success, Austin preached that “the small stuff is insignificant to the bigger picture” and “I don’t care if you have to kick it, bite it, or spit it over the net, get it over the net.”

Austin elaborated, “Make the opposition beat you. If you get the ball in play one more time no matter how ugly the shot is, you have a chance. Would you rather have a chance or no chance to win. Our players typically say they prefer a chance. My coaching method is I want to tell our players things that might stick in their mind and be an added arrow in their quiver to use at an important moment in a match. Plus I want them to have fun and laugh. I have found people learn better when they are having fun. I also want them to be good sports, compete hard and keep their head up high no matter what.

“If one of our players was struggling, I would ask who they were, and they would quietly say their name. I’d say, ‘No, say it like you mean it,’ and they would and giggle and then I would ask, ‘Who is your opponent? I would say they are not you. Now say your name and this is your house and your court and I am going to win.’ I always get a giggle out them which lightens the tension and often they start playing better.”

Austin came to NDP with over 30 years of experience as a tennis director at multiple resorts and country clubs across the nation which also included time training the likes of world champions Pete Sampras and Michael Chang during their pro careers. One NDP season in and the 66-year-old sees the building blocks of similarities between working with seasoned tour players and his high school team.

“Both Michael and Pete were very professional in their approach and work ethic to their craft,” said Austin. “A couple of good life lessons: champions don't always play well but on bad days, they stay calm and make adjustments to change the course of the match. Champions find a way to win when things aren't going well, and you can't always control what happens to you, but you can control your reaction to adversity.”

It's been 44 years since the Austins “escaped from several matches we had no business winning” en route to he and his sister’s Wimbledon victory. In that time, he has transitioned to a successful career motivating his players on the court – regardless of their talent level.

“I borrow a quote from a famous football coach,” said Austin. “You need to have the three W's to be successful. You have to want it, you have to work it and then you will win it.

“You have to be willing to keeping fighting and playing until you are shaking hands.”