He was named the “2013 Paralympic National Coach of the Year for Tennis” and for two years straight, served as co-director of the Wheelchair Tennis Masters, an event he helped to bring to Mission Viejo. Now, Jason Harnett is known as one of 2014′s “Most Influential.”
Jason was just featured in the Orange County Register’s Saddleback Valley News as one of last year’s most influential people.
Here’s why:
Job: City of Mission Viejo head tennis professional/U.S. National Wheelchair Tennis Coach
Bio: Harnett has been a tennis instructor at the city’s tennis centers since 1996 and leads the ITF International Junior Wheelchair Camp each summer. The camp is the only one of its kind on the North and South American continents. In 2012, Harnett received the Order of Ikkos medal – the most prestigious award a coach can receive at the Olympic or Paralympic Games. In 2013, he was named Paralympic National Coach of the Year for Tennis by the United States Olympic Committee and the United States Tennis Association. His players achieved gold medals in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympics.
Why he’s an influencer: Harnett played an integral role in campaigning for Mission Viejo to host the International Tennis Federation Master Series Wheelchair Doubles World Championships the past two years at the Marguerite Tennis Pavilion. Mission Viejo became the first U.S. city to host the event, which featured the best professional wheelchair tennis players in the world.
Biggest challenge: Making the sell to the International Tennis Federation that Mission Viejo could host a quality event. Harnett believed Mission Viejo could, but the ITF was hesitant to send the event out of Europe, where it had been held every year. Harnett’s sell was that wheelchair tennis began in Southern California, so it made sense to bring the sport back to where it began. Harnett’s ties to the ITF, he said, also aided in bringing the event to Mission Viejo.
Work philosophy: “I try to be positive, optimistic and current with my information. I try to instill a work ethic to my players, whether able-bodied or in a wheelchair, but I also try to make sure it’s fun and enjoyable so the players come back.”
Inspirations: His father growing up. “He was very hard-working, always there and consistent. That was a huge compass for me.”
Can’t do without: His wife, Jennifer. “Behind every successful man is a wonderful woman, and I certainly have that. She’s very supportive and takes up a tremendous burden at home when I’m away traveling. I’m very fortunate.”
What’s next: With the recent renovation of the Marguerite Tennis Pavilion, Harnett feels the facility could host an ITF Challenger event, which would feature some of the top young tennis players in the world. He’s also in the process of convincing the City Council to approve holding the Masters event again next year.
Quote: “Never ever give up. It sounds hokey, but it’s a great quote. To see people with disabilities choose tennis is inspiring. It makes me think that no matter what I’m going through, there’s no reason to give up. It can be done.”
Kelly Tokarski
The City of Mission Viejo
Public Information Specialist
