When you step onto the Stuart tennis courts, you’ll often find Coach Guduldig moving with quiet focus and encouraging words. For her, tennis is not just a sport but a lifelong teacher. From evening matches to early pre-season practices, the lessons she has learned and shared on the court continue to shape the way she lives, the way she coaches, and the way her players perform.
Although she always enjoyed the sport, Coach Gudulig began playing more seriously in her 30s after her children were born. Tennis quickly became more than just a game, but a way to connect with new friends, stay active, and discover lessons that extended beyond the court.
“Tennis has taught me cooperation, how to win and lose, and how to control nerves,” she explained. “Even now, I still work on not being too hard on myself after a bad match. Those lessons apply everywhere in life.”
As a coach, she finds her greatest reward in watching players grow. “One of the best things is when a freshman comes in with only a little experience, and by junior or senior year, they’re playing varsity. Seeing that growth is so exciting — it shows how hard they’ve worked.”
Her coaching style is best described as patient and relaxed. She sees herself less as a drill sergeant and more as a guide, hoping to spark a lifelong love of tennis in her players. “I want them to keep playing even after high school,” she said. “Tennis is something you can do forever.” Coach Guduldig knows this firsthand. Recently, at a tournament, she met a woman who will turn 87 in November that is still playing matches. “That’s what I want my players to see,” she said. “It’s not just about winning matches now, but about staying healthy, mentally and physically, for life.”
Her coaching has taken her from Trenton schools to Princeton and now Stuart, and each environment has shaped her approach. With younger children, she focused on keeping tennis fun and accessible. With older students, she emphasizes skill-building, competition, and balance.
Through it all, she leans on patience, encouragement, and the belief that the court is a place to learn as much as to play.
When asked what advice she wishes every player would follow, her answer is simple: “Don’t be so hard on yourself when you lose, because in tennis, you will lose. What matters is that you keep going, keep learning, and most importantly, keep playing.”
Looking back, I’m so lucky to have had Coach Guduldig in my life since the fourth grade, when she first taught me at Trenton Catholic Academy. From giggling through the basics to playing varsity, she has always been supportive and patient. Now as a senior, I see how she’s been there for me beyond just tennis, and that’s what makes her a true coach. Having her at Stuart these last four years has brought everything full circle, and it’s an honor to keep learning from her.
