Today we’d like to introduce you to Cal Carlson.
Hi Cal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Cal Carlson. I’m a former TLC camper and have been involved in TLC professionally for 10 years, as an instructor, a supervisor of tennis, and now TLC’s Associate Director. I am 2017 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College where I was a member of multiple MIAC Conference Championship teams. I am also a certified RSPTA Elite tennis teaching professional, and a Gustavus Women’s Tennis Assistant Coach. I now live in St. Peter, MN with my two wonderful rescue dogs, June and Daisy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. After graduating from Gustavus, I worked in professional sports as a freelance Production Assistant — with the NFL Network for three Super Bowls (Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Miami) and with ESPN on a variety of major events in the Twin Cities, including soccer, hockey, and UFC Fight Night. When the pandemic hit, freelance opportunities in sports nearly disappeared overnight. It was a challenging period of uncertainty that completely changed the trajectory of my career.
But looking back, it also opened the door to new possibilities. I learned to adapt, take risks, and stay open to where my skills could make an impact. That ultimately led me to my dream job at Tennis & Life Camps full time — a place where I can combine my love for communication, sports, and people in a more meaningful way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tennis & Life Camps?
Tennis & Life Camps (TLC) at Gustavus Adolphus College is more than just a tennis camp — it’s a community built on the philosophy of Transforming Lives Through Tennis. We combine high-level tennis instruction with powerful life skills, focusing on three core values (all of which one can control): Positive Attitude, Full Effort, and Good Sportsmanship.
Each summer, we welcome campers of all ages and abilities from across the country. What sets TLC apart isn’t just the quality of coaching — it’s the culture of kindness, inclusion, and personal growth that permeates everything we do. Campers leave with better tennis skills, but more importantly, with a stronger sense of confidence, compassion, and connection.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud that TLC has stayed true to its mission for 50 years. We’re celebrating our 50th anniversary this upcoming summer — half a century of changing lives on and off the court — and we continue to evolve while keeping those founding principles at the heart of everything we do.
Whether you’re a beginner picking up a racquet for the first time or a seasoned player looking to grow, TLC offers a welcoming space to learn, laugh, and rediscover what really matters — the joy of the game and the power of community.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people grow — whether it’s a camper discovering confidence for the first time, a colleague stepping into their potential, or a team coming together to make something special happen. I love being part of moments that remind people what they’re capable of.
Outside of work, I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by good people — friends, family, coworkers — and doing something active or creative. Whether that’s being on a tennis court, hiking, or working on a new project, I’m at my best when I’m moving, connecting, and contributing to something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tennisandlifecamps.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tennisandlifecamps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TennisAndLifeCamps/
