Ben Hestley - owner

---

Bull Shark Sports started in 2021 to fill a youth sports void in Coach Ben's community.  A year later, he was named GPTA's Independent Tennis Professional of the Year for his efforts in creating programs at neighborhood facilities, introducing nearly 150 kids to the game of tennis. 

With a multi-sport approach, baseball quickly became a focal point alongside tennis.  Coach Ben delivers baseball and softball hitting and baseball pitching/fielding instruction and in December 2025 partnered with a new indoor facility, Elite Foundation Academy. He also coaches middle school baseball teams; 2024 - 2026 for Lakeside and in 2027 will begin his tenure at Howard Middle School.

Before starting Bull Shark Sports, Ben was the Director of Tennis at Druid Hills Golf Club from 2008 - 2021. Prior to Druid Hills, Coach Ben led the junior development program at Dunwoody Country Club (2005 - 2007).

In addition to coaching players, Ben also "coaches coaches," delivering workshops to tennis professionals seeking certification.  Ben played a key role as a Coach's Trainer in USTA's launch of Net Generation which provided a lesson planning app for coaches.   Ben currently works with the RSPA as a Coach Developer.

Ben played collegiate tennis at Central Alabama Community College for two years then went on to play at the University of North Alabama where he graduated in 2004. While baseball was the main focus much of his junior career, Ben did represent his home state of Alabama on the tennis team in the 1998 Junior Olympics. 

Coach Ben's philosophy is to put players in positions to learn by having them experience activities that are most relevant to  skills needed to play the sport. Provide players with the most progressive coaching methods while staying focused on the fundamentals of the sport.  Give personal attention to each player in the group and ensure that all players remain engaged and active during a practice session.  

• RSPA Tennis Coach Developer 
• RSPA  Elite Tennis Professional
• PTR Master of Tennis Performance
• Driveline Certified Hitting Coach 
• Driveline Certified Youth Baseball Development Coach
• USA Baseball C Certified Coach
• USTA Net Generation Certified Coach
• PTR Junior Development Professional
• PTR Adult Development Professional
• PPR Certified Pickleball Coach