Hidden gems reside across the population of St. Dominic High School, but over the past three years, the St. Dominic girl’s tennis team has enjoyed a shining jewel.

Coach Mark Borst has been the girl’s tennis coach since 2017, taking a deep run into the state final in his first season coaching while taking home district and conference victories in all three seasons. Coach Borst has a rich and decorated history within the St. Louis high school tennis scene.

15 years ago, Coach Borst first took up the position at his Alma Mater—Christian Brothers College High School—leading Grant and Matt Edwards to the school’s first doubles state championship in 1997. He went on to coach professional tennis players within Missouri, coach boy’s tennis at Vianney High School, start the girl’s tennis program at Notre Dame High School, and coach the Clayton Men’s team alongside his role as St. Dominic’s girl’s coach.

Aside from his sideline role as an educator and teacher of the game, Coach Borst is a distinguished tennis player, both within the local St. Louis scene and as a professional. He held CBC’s record tennis season for his 1985 (13-1) campaign, relinquishing his achievement after 24 years when Matt Kuekler won state for CBC in 2009. After his high school years, Coach Borst earned an athletic scholarship to play for Belmont Abbey in Belmont, North Carolina, returned home to play for SLU, and, after graduation, made his way to the European tennis tour to play as a professional. An injury-plagued debut brought Coach Borst back to the States, where he promptly took up the mantle as coach and hasn’t looked back since.

The St. Dominic girl’s tennis team is looking to make a run at the state championship in the upcoming 2020 fall season. To be able to achieve this, Coach Borst’s players know commitment to the game is not seasonal. Coach Borst advises his players to participate throughout the offseason, whether it be in clinics, tournaments or Junior Team tennis in the spring, and he provides ample opportunity and support for the team in practicing and communicating all year long. Even with the obstacle of the coronavirus pandemic, the seasoned veteran has communicated at-home methods for his players to get reps and cardio in to stay in shape and focused throughout the spring.

If you’re interested in participating at tennis at any level, Coach Borst urges new or interested players to come to the St. Dominic summer tennis camp held on June 8-11. The camp provides support for players of all skill levels, teaching fundamentals and providing a fun yet competitive environment to enjoy the game. Tennis is a lifetime sport that is meant to be celebrated, and Coach Borst is an excellent way to be introduced to it.