Mike Janz, a 2014 graduate of Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management
program and PTM’s assistant director, holds his 2020 “Under 30” award from the United
States Professional Tennis Association’s Midwest Division. Janz’ selection for the
honor acknowledges his contributions to the industry and education in the formative
stages of his career.A 2014 graduate of Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management program
has received the United States Professional Tennis Association’s “Under 30” award
from its Midwest Division.
Mike Janz returned to Ferris to assistant director of PTM in 2018 after gaining professional
experience at tennis facilities in Alpena and Saginaw.
“Working in northern lower Michigan and Mid-Michigan allowed me to experience many
aspects of small and medium-size operations,” Janz said. “I also had a position as
a production manager with Tennis Analytics, a Utah-based company, where we gathered
video at various competitive levels, from amateur to college and professional matches.
It has been great to have this variety of experience to discuss with our PTM students,
so they understand their options.”
PTM Program Director Derek Ameel nominated Janz for the honor, with Mike providing
information to the USPTA’s Midwest Division on his professional efforts, along with
those on the court and in the classroom during the last two years at Ferris.
“The ‘Under 30’ award goes to USPTA-certified instructors to acknowledge their contributions
to the industry, professional facilities and other activities that benefit the sport
of tennis,” Janz said. “We are striving to help our students become well-rounded young
adults who will go on to lead the tennis industry. As a former PTM student, I believe
I can relate well to them about what the program requires while taking their concerns
and feelings into account. The main goal is to give students the opportunity to learn
and pursue excellence in our field.”
Janz said a Google search in his senior year of high school brought him from Jefferson,
Wisconsin, to Big Rapids and the Ferris PTM program.
“I entered the phrase ‘tennis jobs,’ and the Ferris program was the third result on
the list,” Janz said. “At the time, it looked like I was headed to a college in the
northwest part of Wisconsin, to study and become a Social Studies teacher, as I am
from a family of schoolteachers. I am so glad that I made the choice to do what I
love through the Ferris PTM program because it has proven to be a perfect match for
me.”