Rhett Russell Joins Hidden Dunes Tennis Center as Director of Racquet Sports

We're pleased to announce that Rhett Russell has joined Hidden Dunes Tennis Center as the new Director of Racquet Sports. Russell replaces Renee Broxson who led the Hidden Dunes Tennis program for more than 17 years.

Russell brings a long career of tennis instruction and tournament play along with the support of his racquet-wielding family, which includes his wife, Amy Russell, and six children who have all earned their own prestigious tennis rankings and recognition. In high school, Russell earned the Prince Scholastic All-American and he credits the City of Fairhope where he led the summer kids tennis camps for starting his tennis career. After graduating from the University of Alabama, he became the Tennis Director at Lake Forest Racquet Club for three years, and then became the Tennis Director for the City of Orange Beach, where he stayed for 18 years. Most recently, he served as the head tennis pro at Sea Island. Raised in Gulf Shores, Ala., Russell is excited about returning to and working on the Gulf Coast.

“I’ve been visiting Miramar Beach for as long as I can remember. In fact, I played the Helen Drake Invitational in Miramar Beach in 2006 where I met my wife, Amy,” said Russell. “We’re excited to move here with our children and continue the expert instruction and game matching that Hidden Dunes Tennis Center has become known for under Renee’s leadership.”

With the support of his wife and six children, Russell has a vision for Hidden Dunes Resort's award-winning tennis program. With six clay and three hard pickleball courts, Hidden Dunes Resort Tennis Center is well suited for level-based match playing, round robins, socials, and tournaments. Russell’s plans include a focus on junior clinics as well as parent/child instruction and matches. He plans to continue the Annual Hubert Kessler Invitational held at Hidden Dunes Tennis Center as well as introduce an all-women tournament. Tennis packages for women’s tennis weekends are also one of Russell’s goals for the tennis center.

“Players come to Hidden Dunes Resort for the personalized service and attention,” said Russell. “We’ll continue that focus and add compelling programming. I plan to bring my ‘Drills, Skills & Thrills” program, which is appropriate for all skill levels as well as introduce a cardio-tennis program and Game 105.”

A USPTA Certified Elite Pro, Russell has been a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) for more than 22 years and served as the president of USPTA Alabama for two consecutive years.  

Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort is consistently named a “Silver Medal Resort,” by Tennis Resorts Online, placing Hidden Dunes Tennis among the top 50 tennis resorts. 

For overnight stays, Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, which manages the on-site rental office, offers a variety of well-appointed vacation rental options, including cottages, villas and Gulf-front condos. To see options and check availability view Hidden Dunes Resort rentals online or call one of Newman-Dailey's local vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652. For more information on Hidden Dunes tennis offerings, visit https://www.hiddendunesdestin.com/resort/tennis/ or call 850-269-2590.

We look forward to seeing you @ the beach!

Published on Tuesday, July 5, 2022