Katherine Ruth
Katie Ruth is the Director of Racquet Sports for the Moss Creek Owners Association, where she leads dynamic tennis and pickleball programming focused on community engagement, player development, and creating exceptional member experiences. Originally from England, Katie came to the United States to play college tennis at Clayton State University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned All-American honors while studying Health and Fitness Management. After graduating, she entered the tennis teaching profession and has built approximately 13 years of experience in the racquet sports industry, steadily advancing into leadership roles built on education, service, and community impact.
In her current role since 2021, Katie teaches approximately three to four hours of tennis and pickleball daily while also managing department operations. She is responsible for budgeting, staffing, and overseeing facility maintenance to ensure a high-quality playing environment for members and guests. Much of her passion comes from working with an older demographic of players, helping them stay active, improve their skills, and continue enjoying the sport for its physical and mental health benefits. Katie believes strongly that racquet sports can enhance quality of life, build confidence, and create lasting social connections, which drives her programming and coaching philosophy.
Katie holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Fitness Management from Clayton State University and is certified as a Certified Tennis Performance Specialist through the International Tennis Performance Association. She is deeply passionate about teaching, mentoring players, and growing the game of tennis and pickleball at every level. For Katie, racquet sports are more than a career they are a way of life. She is committed to helping others enjoy the sports she loves while continuing to develop innovative programming, strong community relationships, and meaningful experiences for everyone she serves on and off the court.
• BTEC National Certificate in Sport Performance & Excellence, Sports and Exercise
• Certified Tennis Performance Specialist
• 10 and Under Professional
• Tennis Performance Trainer
• Clayton State University - BS, Health & Fitness Management
• USTA South Carolina Pro of the Year 2023
• All-American in college tennis
• United States Tennis Association (USTA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion and deep care for the work I do every day. I am highly committed to delivering quality instruction and creating meaningful experiences for the people I teach, which has helped me build strong relationships both on and off the court. I approach my role not simply as a job, but as a way of life, allowing my enthusiasm, dedication, and personal investment in the sport to positively influence those I work with and contribute to their growth, enjoyment, and overall experience.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to trust myself and not second-guess my decisions. This advice has helped me develop confidence in my leadership, coaching, and programming choices, allowing me to stay true to my instincts while continuing to grow and learn. By trusting my experience, preparation, and knowledge of the industry, I am able to make stronger decisions and move forward with purpose and clarity in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to be prepared for the physical and demanding nature of the work while also learning the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives. It is common to face moments of self-doubt, but I encourage women to trust their instincts and believe in their capabilities. Confidence, persistence, and a willingness to continue learning will help build a strong and successful career in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the racquet sports area is changing a lot. The facilities are not... it used to be just tennis, and now it's like they're adding multi-sports, so tennis, pickleball, you know, some have even got Padel, like, there's more being kind of thrown into the rackets department. That's certainly the challenge of learning to balance all of that versus just one amenity, I guess. That's also an opportunity to get better, and that means more staff to manage, and I see that as an opportunity to grow myself.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are being a strong listener and serving as a positive role model for others. I believe that truly listening to the people I work with, whether they are students, staff members, or members of my community, helps build trust, respect, and stronger relationships. I strive to lead by example in everything I do, with the goal of helping others grow, become more confident, and be better individuals both on and off the court.