John Natali has served as Director of Tennis for the Bethel College men’s and women’s tennis program for 10 years now. His primary duties include recruiting, scheduling of matches, as well as coaching alongside men’s and women's head coach, Jason Gingerich.
He enjoys working with the young men and women in the tennis program in a very positive and encouraging manner. “To motivate them to work hard in practice daily, and then to see that effort translate into success in their matches is very satisfying”, states Coach Natali. “But more importantly, it’s their growth academically and spiritually from month to month, along with the nurturing of coach-to-athlete relationships that give me the most enjoyment of being around our student-athletes.”
“At Bethel College, I try to recruit athletes that will be a good fit for our family atmosphere. The bond that develops each season among both our men’s and women’s tennis teams is something special to all of us. Therefore, when I’m considering a potential recruit, I try to look for someone not only with a strong set of tennis skills, but also for an individual with a positive attitude and strong character who will contribute to our family environment.”
On a personal note, Coach Natali, a life-long resident of Mishawaka, enjoys spending quality time with his brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces and enjoys many other sports here at Bethel College, particularly basketball.
