Meet the Member: Brent Busboom

What’s your tennis story? How did you get started and what keeps you going? Please include how long you have been a member of WTC. 

I started playing tennis in high school.  My mom didn’t have enough money for private lessons but Bob Deller was running a junior program at Lakeridge where I was able to play a few times a week.  In terms of instruction, the only thing I had was a video, Sybervision Tennis, that featured Stan Smith.  I watched it literally hundreds of times.  Actually, I still watch it sometimes.

What WTC or USTA activities do you participate in? (You can include this with the previous question)

Mostly in leagues:  4.5 18+ and 40+ as well as some mixed doubles.  I have played at nationals a couple times, the best result being in 4.5 (40+) doubles where Bryan Fernley and I took 4th.  My secret?  I picked a great partner.

What is another favorite hobby other than tennis? Can you give a recommendation for that activity?

I travel to play the best escape rooms in the world (I’ll be in the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and France in October).  If you’re interested in traveling to play escape rooms, the best trip would be to Montreal to play at Escaparium where they have the #1 and #3 game in the world.  Locally?  Play at either Keystone Escape or Deadline Escape.  They are the best in the area, by far.

Who is your favorite professional tennis player? Why?

Probably Djokovic.  Like many people, I think I was initially irritated by him but came to admire all that he’s accomplished.  Even though I passionately disagree with his stance on vaccines, I have respect for his ability to respectively stand firm in his beliefs, even when it came at the cost of competing in Grand Slam tournaments.

Any fun plans for the winter? How do you like to spend your time during the snowy months?

If only there were indoor courts… But I’m usually up to play if the temperature is above freezing as long as it isn’t too windy.

Can you tell us about your family, occupation, pets, etc?

I have an amazing wife (Anna), three amazing children (Zoey 21, Jack 16, and Harper 6).  We also have two dogs, Argos and Archie—I think I should bring them to the courts for Thad to meet.  For my job, I am in my 27th year of teaching English literature at Reno High School.  It’s a job I still love.

Any other fun information you would like to share about yourself?

I have a song written about me.  If you type “Brent Busboom” into Spotify, it will come up.  It was written back in the ‘90s, but it isn’t exactly what my students would call a “banger.”