MEET OUR STAFF
Luke Jensen
Luke attended the University of Southern California, playing his unique game with both hands, earning him singles and doubles All-American honors in 1985 and again in 1991. After turning professional in 1989, Luke fought a typically spirited uphill battle for career success, despite being dogged by injury – including an unexpected brush with a swinging glass door the same year, which put him in surgery.
Luke is a strong supporter of grassroots youth tennis: “What I enjoy is going to a city for the first time and teaching,” he said. “That’s what we have to do – we’re all in this together.” These days, as well as playing and coaching, Luke can regularly be seen commentating on ESPN and network TV as well as fulfilling lively after-dinner speaking engagements around the country. He has also written for USA Today, Tennis Magazine, Tennis Match and Racquet Magazine.
In his spare time he plays bass guitar, rides his Harley-Davidson and still endures endless ribbing from his brother for accidentally breaking Murphy’s nose in the post-match, on-court celebrations in Paris in 1993. He lists The Right Stuff as his favorite movie, Das Boot as his favorite book, and Marilyn Monroe as his ultimate dream date. Of Luke, Murphy says: “Luke has tremendous foresight. The way he acts is that of great leadership. I’d follow him anywhere!”
Luke, in addition to his extensive tennis commentating schedule during the Grand Slams is also the Tennis Director at Forest Hills Tennis Center outside NYC, the former and original Home of the US OPEN.
Murphy Jensen
The relatively injury-free Murphy is dedicated to the future of tennis, which he sees as laying in the hands of today’s youngsters and, from the start, introduced a fan-friendly attitude that was previously largely unknown in the sport. “I’d feel bad if I didn’t make eye contact and say ‘Hey man, what’s happening?’” he has said. And, on the subject of the accessibility of modern sports stars, comments: “If you’re a player who surrounds himself with an entourage of bodyguards and a high-maintenance lifestyle, you’re never going to be embraced by the fans.”
When he’s not entertaining people, you’ll find Murphy, who now lives with his brother near Atlanta, Georgia, skydiving, fishing, playing guitar (left handed, of course), riding his Harley-Davidson, driving his beloved 1976 Eldorado Convertible, or playing chess. Among his favorites, he lists Animal House as his top movie; Dr. Seuss’s the Cat in the Hat as his all-time top book and just about anything by the great Barry White as preferred listening material.
Of Murphy, Luke says: “He’s a celebrity; he’s got that aura.He can go up to anyone, start a conversation and, all of a sudden, get rolling. He has a very good way with people.”
Murphy has maintained his role as the coach of the Washington Kastles team in the WTT. By the way, Murph was the first and only WTT coach to go undefeated for an entire season, all the way through the CHAMPIONSHIP!!
Dr. Vince Schmidt
Vince Schmidt has been a tennis pro for over 30 years, actively working with juniors and adults alike. He has been the Director of Tennis at Glen Echo Country Club in Normandy, Missouri. Vince has also been a tennis coach in St. Louis at St. Louis University High School, Visitation Academy, Rosary High School and Barat Academy. Vince’s coaching has been widespread. He has worked at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, with both ATP and WTA tour players and Special Olympians.
Vince’s long association with the Jensen Brothers has had him follow them and their globe trotting adventures everywhere.
Vince said, “Bringing Luke and Murphy to the cause of Down syndrome was really quite easy. The Brothers were eager to help since the birth of my son Jonas. The Tennis Academy was a natural extension of our long friendship and working relationship.”