Ask anyone around Niskayuna who 'Coach Neal' is - they're sure to know.
James Neal has made a name for himself over the past 27 years as a tennis coach at the high school. He never planned on becoming a coach, but as we all know, life is unpredictable. He's currently heading up both the boys' and girls' tennis teams. He also teaches in community clinics, camps and private lessons.
"I always like people who think they can't play." Coach Neal says. "I get excited when I help them get better at something they didn't think they could do."
Originally from Annapolis, Coach Neal is a military veteran, serving two tours in Vietnam. He was originally a basketball and rugby player but decided to take up tennis because it looked difficult, and he wanted a challenge. No one taught him to play tennis, he taught himself by watching others and practicing. His strong work ethic and 'tough love' coaching methods have scored him the respect and love of students of all ages.
"One of the things that really stands out with the way he coaches is he really makes sure that you know how to play tennis with what you have." Says senior, Aleesha Choudry. "He really doesn't try to change our game to fit what other people might think the standard is."
And by playing tennis with what you have - that could be wheels instead of legs. Coach Neal instructs players with disabilities as well, specifically those in wheelchairs. And to do that, he says he learned to play tennis in a wheelchair himself.
"I got in the chair, strapped my legs in.." He explains. ".. which was very difficult because I had to learn how to push, and I could see things from their perspective."
From teaching generations of students, to volunteering to maintain the courts at the local city park, Coach Neal is always finding ways to share his love of tennis and introduce new people to the sport.
"I always wanted to give back... give hope to someone who thinks they can't something." He says.