Jim Whiting has been a member of the coaching staff at Rally Point since 2018, and in nearly 45 years of coaching, he believes the club stands apart because of its unique family atmosphere. Born and raised in Bronxville, New York, he first picked up a tennis racquet in 1967 and was instantly hooked, spending countless hours honing his game against a wall. Jim played four years of #1 singles at Bronxville High School before competing in Division I tennis at the University of Georgia, where the team achieved a national ranking as high as No. 3. In the early 1980s, he also competed professionally in Europe, representing a team in Germany near Heidelberg. Beginning his coaching career in 1980 at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows—now the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center— Coach Jim had the privilege of practicing with Billie Jean King in preparation for her final US Open. Over the years, he also served as a practice partner for world No. 1 Martina Navratilova, Wimbledon and US Open champion Virginia Wade, and former world No. 1 Ivan Lendl. He and his family eventually settled in Rhode Island following the birth of their granddaughter, Isla, and found a welcoming home at Rally Point. Approaching his 45th year as both an instructor and a coach, Jim remains as passionate about being on the court as ever, dedicated to sharing his love of tennis with players of all ages and abilities.
Rally Point Racquet Club opened its doors in 1972 with just three courts and no lounge area, founded by a group of friends who saw tennis gaining popularity across the U.S. and wanted to create a place where their community could come together to share in the love of the sport. Their vision quickly took hold, and after early success, the club expanded—adding three more courts and building the indoor space that continues to serve as the heart of the facility today. Over the past 50+ years, Rally Point has grown steadily by listening to and evolving with its most dedicated players and supporters.
