Lawrence Eyre

Maharishi School tennis coach receives national honor
by Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, The Review
14 October 2009

Maharishi School tennis coach Lawrence Eyre was recently named National High School Coach of the Year by the United States Professional Tennis
Association (USPTA)—the oldest and largest organization of tennis teaching professionals.

This honor is given to just one coach from all high schools throughout the country regardless of size.

Mr. Eyre was among the founding faculty of the Maharishi Upper School in 1981. He started the tennis program in 1988 and built it into a perennial power.

The boys tennis team has reached the Class 1A state tennis final-four team competition 12 times. Altogether they have 16 state titles in singles, doubles, and team play. A highlight was winning consecutive triple crowns in
1999 and 2000, when Maharishi School took the singles, doubles, and team championships each year.

"I am honored to receive this award on behalf of Maharishi School," Mr. Eyre said. He attributes the success of the players to the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique. He said it creates a profound experience of restful alertness that serves as a foundation for dynamic activity, providing a competitive edge. In addition, the practice helps them to allow unforced errors "wash over" them and to move on to the next point without getting upset or distracted.

Mr. Eyre was also previously recognized by Sports Illustrated in their "Faces in the Crowd." He was named the 2000 Iowa Tennis Association Coach of the Year and the 2007 Central Sectional Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations. He was also the USPTA 2008 Missouri Valley Coach of the Year, putting him in line for the national award.

© Copyright 2009, Maharishi University of Management