The last two weeks have been a whirlwind for Clete Browder -- and he couldn’t be happier.

The 39-year old officially began his new job as Director of Tennis at NorthRiver Yacht Club on January 20.

The job is a homecoming of sorts, though he’s been a part of Tuscaloosa’s tennis landscape since he was 14. That’s when he and his family moved to Tuscaloosa and, in particular, to a home at NorthRiver.

The club’s tennis courts were where he played and trained as a teen. So, when the club recently had an opening after former tennis director Gary Henderson left for a job at a club in Florida, Browder was a fitting choice to fill the job opening.

“I knew the reputation NorthRiver Yacht Club has and the great facilities,” Browder said. “There is an emotional side to taking this job because NorthRiver is where I grew up and trained. When my family moved to Tuscaloosa, we moved to the yacht club. That was 25 years ago. My mom still lives here. I never dreamed then that one day I would have this job. I’ve had several moments where I have been able to think about it. It’s very exciting, very emotional given the history I have with this club.”

Browder comes to this job after working the past nine years at Indian Hills Country Club where he’s been the junior tennis program director. He also doubles as the very successful boys’ and girls’ tennis coach at Tuscaloosa Academy, a role he will continue. Browder, who in recent years has been awarded the national high school tennis coach of the year as well as a two-time Southern high schools coach of the year, is amidst a six-consecutive AISA girls’ state team championships string. His boys’ teams won the state championship five of the past six years, finishing runners-up last season.

“Coaching Tuscaloosa Academy is something I’ll continue to do and be able to handle along with this job,” Browder said. “I think it was something they liked about me when I was interviewing for the job here because there is an emphasis on junior tennis here.”

Having been a part of the club in the past and a current part of the local tennis scene, Browder was familiar with the club’s offerings, but he said he respect grew even more as he went through the interview process.

“During the interviews, I gained a lot of respect, even more than I already had, for management and the membership and all the support from all areas. It was very energizing. It gives you the desire even more to want to please,” Browder said. “I plan to be highly involved in every aspect of the club. I got into coaching because of the junior aspect, and I still have a passion for that, but I’ll also be very involved with every other aspect--men’s play, women’s play, competitive play. We’ll still do the mixers, host Advantage Cup and Lady Neptune. It’s going to continue to be a fully-developed program and one that will cater to every member here.”

The former Troy University player said he has witnessed and heard positive input about the tennis support staff that was already in place at the club, and they will continue in their roles.

“My goal is to continue to help grow tennis in Tuscaloosa,” Browder said. “And I’m looking forward to the opportunity of doing that here.”