Talking with Steph New of Polo Tennis and Fitness Club

Steph New, General Manager

First of all, Steph, help us get to know you a bit.
I am the General Manager of Polo Club. I have worked onsite here for a little over two years, and with the management company for almost three. My background is in sales and operations, as well as leadership and management. I'm originally from Michigan, however we came for a family wedding here 21 years ago and had to stay we loved it so much!

I joined the fitness industry due to not wanting to perpetuate the history of disease and unwellness in my family, and decided I should work in that field so I could participate at no cost, (Ha!). A girl’s got to find deals where she can! Fitness is my background, not racquet sports. I am a certified personal trainer as well as a group EX instructor. My favorite group fitness class to lead is dance fitness and HIIT classes. 

I live in New Braunfels with my three children (my 4th serves active duty in the Coast Guard in San Francisco), a couple other family members, and several fur children.

If I'm not working at Polo Club, reading, or sunbathing, you will find me serving in my church coffee shop. All proceeds go to fund mission projects around the world and my heart is happy and my purpose fulfilled by helping to spread the love of Jesus serving in that capacity. 

Is Polo Club public or private? What kind of memberships are available?
Our club is open to the public for coach-led activities and for open plays. Reservations are member-only for tennis courts, otherwise pickle and padel are open to the public to reserve and pay per play.

We have several types of memberships available - family, individual, specific sports, or full access to all club amenities. We have three racquets sports available to play and participation in clinics and classes. We are the only facility in the Austin area that offers all three.

What are some other benefits of membership?
We host monthly social events that are at no additional cost to members, and open to guests of members for nominal fee. These vary in format, sometimes all three sports, sometimes sport specific, and sometimes a hang out with games that are none of the sports, lol! We also do a giveaway of prizes at every social event. 

We love to partner with and support the local community, hosting fundraising events, sponsoring local youth organizations and non-profits, etc. Soon, we are adding some options for play for the littles (playground) and planned Friday evening social play with free drinks.

How might you describe your ideal client/member?
Our ideal client is an individual or family who wishes to stay active and build a community of friendships while playing some of the most fun sports out there! We provide not only excellent instruction and education in racquet sports, helping players level up to become high-level athletes, but also a way to retain mobility, cognitive functioning, cardiovascular fitness, as well as making and retaining a social community that adds amazing value to one's life. Where can an adult find a place to "play with" their friends? You find it here! 

We also offer Teams/League Play opportunities, weekly level-based clinics, monthly tournament opportunities that vary by sport and level/format. Whether you are a social player or a competitive one, we have something for you, and for all ages! Our demographic age ranges from five years old to eighty-five years old! 

We would encourage everyone to come visit the club, try out one, two or all three sports! Contrary to information out there, you absolutely do not have to know how to play already to have a blast! We welcome all levels of player!

Sounds great Steph! We’ll be seeing you at Polo Club!