Coach Jon Betts

Coach Betts, a USPTA teaching professional, has been the head girls' tennis coach at H.D. Jacobs High School since 2005 and returned in the spring of 2014 to lead the Golden Eagles' boys after running the Hampshire tennis program from its creation in 2009. When his high school teams are not in season, Coach Betts runs USTA Junior Team Tennis Leagues, coordinates the Village of Algonquin and Dundee Township Tennis Programs, and is the Director of Tennis at the Crystal Lake Country Club. In addition to his on-court positions, Betts has also been a fourth grade teacher at Liberty Elementary School since 2005.

Betts has been involved in tennis since playing for the McHenry Warriors where he was a state qualifier in doubles. He went on to Knox College in Galesburg, IL where he was a four year varsity starter in both tennis and soccer and spent a mediocre stint as a member of the swim team. In soccer, Betts served as a team captain, received all-conference recognition and was awarded the Bruce Shadbolt MVP award in his senior season. Captaining the tennis team, he earned all-conference honors in each of his four years as well as receiving the MIP and MVP awards. At the end of his time at Knox, Betts was awarded the J.W. Hilding Prize for the most outstanding athletic career by a senior.

Though extremely competitive, Coach Betts' first priority has been to grow and share the game of tennis with as many players as possible. The 'no-cut' policy which he has adopted has helped the Jacobs girls program average roughly 80 active players while remaining extremely competitive in the area with numerous top conference finishes and sectional titles.

Away from the courts, Coach Betts stays busy. He is active with a number of charitable organizations, plays soccer, and occasionally trains for his next marathon. More than anything, Betts enjoys relaxing at home with his wife, Steph, mischievous puppy, Bear, beautiful daughters; Gracie Sue and Claire Marie, and the baby of the family, Henry James.

Professional Associations & Recognition

-President: Algonquin Community Tennis Association (ACTA)

-Board Member, Secretary, & President Elect: Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association (IHSTCA)

-Board Member & Secretary: USTA Northern Illinois Tennis Association

-Founding Board Member: McHenry Community Tennis Association

-Member: USTA Midwest Section School Committee

-Member: USTA/USPTA High School Tennis Task Force

-USPTA Certified Teaching Professional

-MTMCA Certified Teaching Professional

-Certified USATennis Coach

-USTA Certified No-Cut Coach

-Northwest Herald Coach of the Year - 2011/2012