Her Story
About Iris
Iris Harris is the Director of Sport at DUS Padel in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she draws on her experience as a former Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) professional athlete and racquet sports professional to advance sports development and community engagement. Having competed professionally from 2000 to 2007, Iris built a strong foundation in athletic performance, discipline, and perseverance. She later transitioned into coaching and sports management, serving as Head of Racket at Shell Bay Club and Head Tennis Professional at Boca West Country Club. Her diverse background has equipped her with valuable expertise in coaching, program development, and creating engaging experiences for players of all skill levels.
In her current leadership role at DUS Padel, Iris oversees sports programming, scheduling, events, and the coordination of professionals for lessons and clinics. She is committed to expanding participation in padel, fostering an inclusive environment, and encouraging more women to pursue coaching and leadership opportunities within the racquet sports industry. In addition to developing programs and strengthening community relationships, she contributes to the club’s operational growth by exploring strategies to increase revenue, attract new members, and enhance the overall player experience. Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration and Management from Universitatea Română de Științe și Arte „Gheorghe Cristea” din București, which complements her work in sports operations and hospitality.
Iris attributes her success to perseverance, determination, and her ability to build meaningful professional relationships through networking. Having experienced barriers to advancement as a woman in the sports industry, she is passionate about creating opportunities for other women to succeed in leadership positions. Looking ahead, she hopes to help expand the DUS Padel brand to additional locations while empowering more women to take on influential roles in sports management. She encourages aspiring women professionals to remain persistent, actively promote their skills, and use social media to showcase their expertise and build their professional presence. Through her leadership and commitment to community, Iris continues to contribute to the growth of racquet sports while inspiring others to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Iris
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, persistence, and networking. I never gave up and always embraced opportunities to meet new people, attend events, and build meaningful connections. I believe every gathering is an opportunity for exposure, and you never know who might open a door to new possibilities.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never stop trying, and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—go out and create them. Put yourself out there, market your strengths, and use social media to showcase your talents and expertise. It’s not about seeking attention but confidently demonstrating what you bring to the table and having the courage to pursue what you want.
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