Treasure Valley Silver Award – Sponsored by B.O.S.S. Retirement Solutions & Advisors

NAMPA, Idaho (CBS2) — Tennis is a great way to stay in shape but for some people, it’s much more than that. For local tennis coach Larry Haugness, tennis is a way of life.

“If people play two to three times a week, they will physically live 9.7 years longer than people sitting at home,” said Haugness. “Tennis has been proven to develop more life-building skills than any other sport. It’s the healthiest sport there is, period. It’s been proven.”

Teaching tennis is Larry’s passion, whether it be for Boise State athletes, World Team Tennis players, United States Tennis Association players, or for local students simply looking to improve.

“I’ve been taking lessons with Larry for about a year and a half now. He always brings a smile to my face,” said Larry’s student Allison Young. “What sets him apart from my other coaches is just that comfortability. I feel like he really wants me to get better and I love that about him. I just love Larry, he’s amazing!”

Larry has been teaching tennis for more than 45 years and has received numerous accolades for his service, including two of the Professional Tennis Registry’s National Community Service Awards and multiple Coach of the Year Awards. His job has afforded him the opportunity to coach some very notable competitors.

“I helped coach Andy Roddick, the last American man to be number one in the world, Jack Sock, who was an Olympic champion in doubles and number one in the world in doubles, Lindsay Davenport, Liezel Huber were both number one in the world,” said Haugness. “I was working with equipment needs of a lot of the world class players, like the Bryan brothers, I customized their rackets.”

It’s an impressive list with an even more impressive story. Whether it’s being invited to the US Open 25 times, going to lunch with the Beach Boys, giving ski lessons at Bogus Basin, doing ski patrol, or even breaking flying records, it seems Larry has had some very unique experiences. He was most recently recognized with the Canyon County Sheriff’s Live Saving Medal.

“There was no choice, I had to jump into the canal and get the little girl and I’m still trying to work through everything because I still see it at times,” said Haugness.