Written By Tyler Jacobson
“I’m incredibly excited to be coaching Maccabi USA’s Junior Tennis Team at the European Maccabi Youth Games in London,” says Hadas Ronen-Vasquez, her enthusiasm clear.
This is Ronen-Vasquez’s first Maccabi USA experience, but tennis has been a constant in her life since she was a young girl growing up in Israel.
Hadas’s love for the sport blossomed at the age of eleven. “I accompanied my older sister, Merav, to practice one day and the coach noticed my hand-eye coordination,” she recalls. “He encouraged me to give it a try, and that’s how it all began.”
Her talent was undeniable, and by age 18, Hadas was offered a tennis scholarship at the University of Central Florida. The move to Orlando presented an exciting new chapter, but also a cultural shift.
“Thankfully, I was already fluent in English having grown up speaking, writing, and reading it in Israel,” Hadas says. “That definitely helped me adjust to life in a new country.”
The UCF tennis team became a second family for Hadas. “It was practically an international team with players from all over the world – Sweden, Turkey, India, Ecuador,” she remembers fondly. “We’re still close friends today those teammates are like family.”
College also brought the realization that professional tennis wasn’t her ultimate goal. “You really need to be the absolute best to make it at that level,” Hadas reflects. “And I wasn’t prepared for the constant travel that comes with it. But I didn’t want to give up tennis entirely.”
The solution? Transitioning from player to coach. Hadas began working for a local tennis instruction company, where she quickly bonded with students of all ages. When the owner decided to move on, Hadas took a leap of faith and founded All Star Tennis.
“The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing my students improve,” Hadas beams. “Whether it’s a young child just starting out, or a seasoned player on my high school team, there’s nothing better than witnessing their progress.” Her approach goes beyond technical skills. “I care about my students as people,” she explains. “I check in with them, see how they’re doing on and off the court, and offer support in any way I can.”
Hadas also emphasizes the importance of perspective. “I remind them to have fun, to soak up the beautiful Florida weather, and to appreciate the opportunity to play this amazing sport,” she says. “Tennis is a privilege, and not everyone has access to it. Keeping a positive attitude is key.”
Now, with the European Maccabi Youth Games approaching, Hadas is eager to share her passion with a new group of young athletes. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the team and helping them reach their full potential,” she says. “It’s going to be an unforgettable experience in London!”
This excitement extends beyond just the Games. “If I see the progress and all that obviously I’m excited, it’s fulfilling,” Hadas explains. “It’s a sense that I’m doing something right. Seeing them get to the next level that’s satisfaction right there.”
She’s also looking to build strong bonds with her players in a short amount of time. “I like to develop a good connection, a good relationship, [with the players],” she says. “It’s only ten days, but I’ll try and get to know them as fast as I can… I’m excited about it.
Tyler Jacobson lives outside Philadelphia and is currently a senior at the University of Delaware studying Communications and Media Production. You can follow his work @Tylersj26 on Instagram and here at maccabiusa.com.