Meet Sam Wright, our Director of Children’s Programming at Elite Sports Club-River Glen! His mission is to help kids rediscover the joy of sports. In a world where young athletes often feel pressured to be perfect, Sam focuses on creating fun, uplifting experiences that build confidence and character.
Get to Know Sam Wright
- What position(s) do you currently hold at Elite and any you have held in the past?
I’m the Director of Children’s Programming at Elite-River Glen.
- How long have you been working in the health/fitness/tennis industry and how long have you worked at Elite?
I’ve been working in the fitness industry since 2022, and I started at Elite in 2025.
- What made you want to start working in this industry and/or for Elite?
With the pressure that is put on kids to become perfect in sports at such a young age, I wanted to get into the youth sporting industry to help kids realize that it’s about having fun. I want every kid that comes to Elite to focus on having fun while trying to improve themselves in sports and in life.
- What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job is seeing the smile on the kids’ faces when they overcome obstacles they never thought they could before. I love coming up with fun and creative ways to challenge kids to better themselves and to see them reach a particular goal they have set for themselves.
- What activities do you participate in at the club or outside of the club that are health/fitness/tennis related?
I love to golf with friends, go to the gym, go on hikes, and teach baseball lessons in my spare time when I’m outside of the club.
- What has been your biggest personal struggle with health/fitness/tennis?
My biggest struggle when it comes to fitness would have to be having a consistent healthy meal plan. I love to go to the gym and work out, but the thing I sometimes forget to take into consideration is the health aspect of eating. I have to remind myself that healthier food will give me the proper fuel I need to stay active throughout the day.
- What has been your biggest personal accomplishment with health/fitness/tennis?
My biggest accomplishment in sports is just being able to make the leap from high school baseball to college baseball. Roughly 7% of all high school athletes go on to compete at the college level and I was just happy to be a part of that 7%.
- What advice do you give people who are coming to the club for the first time?
Define what you want to achieve—better health, more energy, strength, weight loss, or stress relief. Having clear, realistic goals helps keep you motivated and focused. Staff and trainers are there to help! If you’re unsure how to adjust a machine or structure your workout, ask. It’s better to learn correctly than to guess. Take advantage of all the amazing amenities Elite has to offer! We have an amazing team; we all want the best for every single one of our members.
- What advice do you give people who are struggling to make health/fitness/tennis a priority or are getting bored/burned out?
Reconnect With Why You’re Doing It – Your “why” gives meaning when the workouts don’t feel fun. Find accountability and community. Make it identity-based – When it becomes part of who you are, not what you do, consistency becomes natural. Often, once you start, momentum takes over — but even if it doesn’t, you still win by showing up.
- What personal advice do you give someone who is looking to get to a healthier point in their life in general?
Start with self-honesty, not self-criticism because awareness is the foundation of sustainable change. Focus on small, consistent actions — not overhauls. Don’t chase perfection — chase momentum. Health is a practice. There will be “off” days, and that’s okay. What matters most is not stopping.
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