Libertyville Native, Longtime Tennis Instructor Jill Bachochin Joins Five Seasons Northbrook

When Jill Bachochin started playing tennis as a 9-year-old growing up in Libertyville, she was relatively "old" for anyone who aspires to compete at a high level.

Fortunately, between her dad's tennis background and her own passion, determination and talent, Bachochin caught up to-then passed-most of her peers.

After starring in varsity tennis at Libertyville High School in the 1980s and being named All State in doubles, Bachochin went on to a successful Division I career at Eastern Illinois University. She earned a scholarship and, along with being named to the Gateway Conference All-Academic and All-Conference Team, became the first lady Panther tennis player named Gateway Conference Player of the Year.

Those achievements paved the way to various roles over the last 25 years in coaching, teaching, fitness training, and business management. Her latest position: on staff at Five Seasons Family Sports Club in Northbrook.

Since her debut at Five Seasons on October 31st, Bachochin has taken on a key role in the club's 10-and-under tennis development program. Other duties include working with the ladies' teams, the adult beginner program, as well as fitness for adults and juniors.

"I am passionate and love to spark players' interest while instilling confidence to keep them in the game," said Bachochin. "I am also committed to finding ways to introduce the sport and grow the game to new players."

Bachochin's lifelong tennis pursuit flows from a family heritage: her parents, Camille and Bob, met on the tennis court during their college years, and competitiveness, athleticism, and love of the sport run in the family.

Bachochin's sister, Kristin, and brother, Brent, also played high school tennis. Kristin was a nationally ranked junior player, placed third in the IHSA State singles tournament in 1991 and earned a scholarship to the University of Tennessee.

Bachochin's prior roles included serving as a United States Tennis Association Area Training Center Coach for the USTA Intermountain and Missouri Valley Sections. She was also the Director of Junior Competition and Youth Tennis Coordinator for the USTA Missouri Valley Section (1998-2000).

Bachochin is a certified USPTA-Elite and USPTR professional who taught at North Shore Racquet Club in Northbrook for 12 years and most recently, for six years, was Director of the QuickStart Program, Women's 3.0 Team Director, and Personal Trainer at College Park Athletic Club in Deerfield. And for the past 25 years she has served on the Advisory Staff with Wilson Sporting Goods, driving sales while promoting the "W" brand.

Bachochin is an ACE certified fitness professional and Cardio Tennis certified through the Tennis Industry Association, where she bridges fitness and tennis together. She was a Tennis Fitness Specialist at College Park Athletic Club and North Shore Racquet Club, an Exercise Specialist at Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center, and trained top athletes while serving as an assistant coach at Boise State University and the University of Iowa in the 1990s.

No matter which hat Bachochin is wearing at any given time-tennis or fitness-her primary objective remains the same: "My goal is to keep players fit and staying in the tennis game while embracing a lifelong love and passion for the sport."

As she considered coming aboard the Five Seasons staff, Bachochin was impressed by the club's reputation as one of the foremost sites for junior tennis development. In addition, she was struck by the leadership of Chris Sheldon, Five Seasons' Director of Racquet Sports.

"I believe in Five Seasons' core values, mission and culture revolving around teamwork," said Bachochin. "Chris is the driving force behind the leadership team's success-she's very committed, driven, and takes her work very seriously."

The admiration is mutual: Sheldon called Bachochin "a fantastic addition to our adult and junior programs, especially the 10-and-under age group."

"Her enthusiasm, passion and experience are invaluable," said Sheldon. "I know our members will really enjoy getting to know Jill and learning the game of tennis with her."

Five Seasons is the premier year-round high-energy, high-touch sports club focused on family leisure and entertainment, improving sports performance and maintaining overall health.

The club is at 1300 Techny Road and online at http://www.fiveseasonssportsclub.com/northrbrook/. Phone: 847-897-5030. Facebook: www.facebook.com/FiveSeasonsNorthbrook. Twitter:www.twitter.com/FiveSeasonsNB