This week’s NORCAL Spotlight is on Brandon Sutter, the Boys 18s sectional champion. In this spotlight we hear directly from Brandon, his thoughts on his game, his coaches and on his future goals!
On the role of coaches –
As with many tennis players Brandon’s first coach was his father and he still continues to hold a prominent role in developing his tennis. Brandon’s first set of organized practices started with his coach at Broadstone, Doug Atkinson who was also his first coach other than his dad. Brandon admits that his dad plays a less prominent role right now when compared to when he started out but still considers his dad as one of his coaches.
Early competition –
Brandon started playing tournaments in the SATA (Sacramento Area Tennis Assoc ) for 10 and unders at a very early age of 7. His first tournaments were all in the Sacramento area and he started traveling for nationals around the age of 10 or 11.
Most memorable match –
Brandon rates his match against Lovedeep Singh in the 12s as the most memorable match he has ever played. Brandon won 1-6, 7-6, 7-6 saving 13 match points in the final set and coming back from 0-5 down. Brandon says "It was the most surreal feeling after the match, I was in absolute shock and disbelief".
On representing NorCal -
Brandon takes immense pride in representing Norcal. "I really enjoy and appreciate the people who make the tournaments possible, who work hard for the juniors and try to make things fun and competitive. The players in NorCal are good people and it’s been fun working with them over my career"
A typical day –
Brandon’s main coach right now is Joe Gilbert at Rollingwood and his assistant, Sharif Zaher. Brandon goes to their academy often and rates his workout there as very good. A lot of very good juniors from the Sacramento area come there. On a typical day Brandon hits with someone from 9:30am to 11am and spends time at the academy from 11am to 2pm. This is followed by lifting weights. Depending on how he feels after lifting weights, Brandon hits with someone or calls it a day.
Coach on Brandon –
Joe Gilbert, Brandon’s coach says "Brandon’s ability to focus on his game plan and strategy without being affected by his emotions or his opponent’s game is one of the biggest reasons for his success on court. Brandon has a good knowledge of the game and is very coachable.
Hobbies and interests –
"Outside of tennis, I like all sports such as baseball, golf, basketball and soccer, just to name a few. I enjoy anything outdoors, especially anything having to do with the ocean. I'm not a huge thrill-seeker, but I like to do fun things that are still relaxing at the same time"
What the future holds –
Brandon is working on becoming a more aggressive player, such as improving his serve and learning how to finish points. He still wants to learn how to better construct points and learn to play different types of players and devise specific strategies for players. He also has some advice for kids who want to play college tennis, "Work hard, keep your grades up and search for a college that best fits your tennis and academic goals". Brandon’s main goal is just to give his best in everything he does, continue to improve as a player, enjoy collegiate tennis and reach his maximum potential.
Congratulations to Brandon and we at NorCal wish him the very best! Go NorCal!