Customer Spotlight: Holding Court with Howard Johnson
Howard Johnson served with Admiral G. R. Luker aboard aircraft carrier Hornet 1963-64 and carrier Yorktown 1964-65 as his personal tennis coach.
Howard Johnson is an All-American in every sense of the phrase. As a player, coach, pro, club manager, husband, father and military veteran, Howard has lived his life to the fullest with a racquet in his hand.
The 85-year-old coach shared his favorite memories, tips to staying young, and more.
Moving to Minnesota: Following graduation from Pepperdine University in southern California in 1966, I was hired as the pro/manager at Palos Verdes Golf and Tennis Club. I met my future wife Joan Christiansen in 1971 and we were married in 1972. In 1976, our first son David was born and shortly after we visited Minneapolis we decided to move to a simpler lifestyle and a traditional family atmosphere. Ironically, we purchased a home in Deephaven on our vacation and officially moved in 1977. We now have seven children: David, Chris, Paul, Ann, Peter, Mary and Mark.
Biggest influence of my tennis playing career: Tony Trabert, U.S. Open, Wimbledon Champion, U.S. Davis Cup player and coach. Tony was playing the finals at Forest Hills in 1955 against Vic Seixas and I watched tennis for the first time. Having never played tennis, I was thinking to myself, “I can do that!” Taking a few lessons, filming, studying and copying the fundamentals is how I learned the game of tennis! Watching world-class players and mimicking them!
Strengths as a player: Visualization of world-class players, wanting to play like them, big well-placed serves, consistency, moving the ball corner to corner, short and deep, and mentally think and play like a world-class player.
Howard and his wife, Joan.
Best tennis memories: First and foremost, meeting and marrying my wife Joan. Regarding tennis: Fortunate to compete against some of the world’s great players in collegiate tennis against USC and UCLA, Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Dennis Ralston, Raphael Osuna, and others! Being selected to the All-American Tennis Team 1962, winning the NCAA Regional Tournament in California in 1962.
Tennis in the service: Vietnam War Army Draftee, joined the Navy, won the All-Navy Championship in 1963 and 65, runner-up in 1964. I was honored to serve with Admiral G. R. Luker aboard aircraft carrier Hornet 1963-64 and carrier Yorktown 1964-65 as his personal tennis coach! Our Navy tennis team (four of us) was selected to compete in interservice championship vs Army, Air Force and Marine teams 1963, 1964, 1965.
What I love about teaching and coaching: I always enjoy teaching the precise fundamental strokes of tennis. Working, developing and mentoring younger players to become the "best athlete" and the best person that God (our Creator) intended them to be whether it be tennis, some other sport, in their vocation or in daily life. Coaching is so magnetic. I remember the slogan: "Find something you enjoy doing and you will never work another day in your life!”
What coaxed you out of retirement: I have never been retired from tennis other than resigning from Providence Academy (high school in Plymouth) coaching tennis in 2008 They needed a younger coach. At the same time, I continued teaching tennis at Lifetime Fitness. In 2016, Providence Coach Bryan Turunen asked if I would return to PA and coach the JV tennis team, which I have been honored to do. Each summer for the past 26 years we have our continual Junior Tennis Camp/Lessons (ages 7-18) from June through August which has helped keep me thinking and playing young!
At 85, Howard is coaching the Providence Academy JV tennis team.
Playing in tournaments: Not so much anymore since 2019. I reached the finals in Italy and ended up defaulting due to a compression fracture injury, which took longer to overcome as one gets older.
Secret to longevity: Thinking young, coaching youth, eating healthy food, fruit, vegetables, drinking tons of water each day, and committed spiritual life to God-Jesus Christ and to Mass daily.
On Mike and Mimzy Lynne: I have known Mike and Mimzy as good friends for some 25-plus years and have always respected them for their honest commitment to the tennis community in Minnesota. They have done unmeasurable goodwill to all who shop at their business and I will forever recommend them to any and all tennis players—and now pickleball as well!
