About us
OUR STORY
Passion
I have been lucky to team up with Alex Golawska, a top tennis trainer who believes in the idea of a holistic approach to life. She will be managing the company with me, and she will secure the development of Down Basic Tennis & Retreats for years to come. I will take part as her partner, do the tennis instruction, walk the trails in Tramuntana, and hopefully make people happy being with us. Alex and I met at Stavern Tennisklubb at the beginning of 2023, and the chemistry proved that we could make things work. Her contagious mood makes you feel good. The success factors of good experiences are often connected to the people you are around.
We want to make people happy.’
Tom Aage Lie
About Tom Aage
Tennis has been a cornerstone of my life. In the ‘70s, it opened doors to an education in the USA through a tennis scholarship at Murray State University in Kentucky. While academics weren’t my focus in youth, I graduated from Oslo Handelsgymnasium in 1973. I then served 15 months in the Norwegian Air Force before heading to Kentucky, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1978.
I spent many years in the IT industry, working for Burroughs, later Unisys, and then IBM and its associated businesses for 10-15 years. After that, I transitioned into software development in the marketing database community with companies like Credit Inform and Dun & Bradstreet.
Eventually, I shifted my focus to sports management and people-oriented coaching, where I assisted around 100 people from major IT, telecommunications, and oil & gas companies. At the age of 68, I decided to dedicate myself to tennis and coaching, working as a head coach and assistant coach for 3 tennis clubs in Vestfold.
My philosophy is shaped by a belief that there’s meaning in all things in life, a mindset I inherited from my mother. I believe strongly that Down Basic will offer an extraordinary experience for all participants, combining my passion for tennis and personal development.
About Aleksandra Golawska
I was born in the US to Polish parents, and when I was 7, my family and I moved to Poland, where my love for tennis continued to grow. Tennis instantly became my passion, and with the constant support of my parents and the guidance of amazing coaches, I was fortunate enough to continue playing competitively all the way through my college years.
Thanks to an athletic scholarship, I returned to the US to play Division 1 tennis at Cleveland State University. There, I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology and art, followed by a master’s degree in innovation and entrepreneurship from John Carroll University, both in Cleveland, Ohio.
After college, I couldn’t imagine my life without tennis, so I found myself drawn to coaching. I started working with collegiate players and at local clubs, where I discovered the joy of helping others experience the same growth and fulfillment that tennis brought to me. While I briefly explored office jobs in IT consulting, it didn’t take long to realize that tennis was where my heart truly belonged. I went on to work at a tennis management company, where I had the privilege of supporting professional players and organizing major tennis events. That experience only deepened my love for the sport and my desire to share it with others.
For me, tennis is so much more than just a game. It’s a way to help people discover their inner strength, face challenges, and push beyond their limits—both on the court and in life. I’m still growing as a coach, just like my players, and I’m incredibly excited to continue learning and evolving through the Down Basic project.
Moving to Norway wasn’t something I planned, but it turned out to be one of the most beautiful surprises of my life. I’ve always wanted to be closer to my family in Poland, and Norway offered the perfect space for me to slow down, reflect, and find peace. It’s truly been a place of renewal for me. I met Tom at the tennis club where I got my first job in Norway, and we instantly connected. Our friendship has been a source of constant inspiration, and Tom has helped me see life in a brighter, more meaningful way. He’s shown me what it truly means to be a coach, not just in tennis but in everything we do.
I feel so fortunate to be part of the Down Basic project, and I can’t wait to see the beautiful community we’re building together. It’s going to be an incredible journey, and I’m thrilled to share it with so many amazing people.
Why we do this (Together)
This project comes from a shared passion for tennis, wellness, and helping people feel more like
themselves.
We both bring years of experience as coaches, but also as learners – of life, of mindfulness, of
what it means to grow with joy. Our style of teaching is welcoming, human, and grounded in
connection. No pressure, no ego. Just play, presence, and progress.
Why Tennis? Why this?
Tennis has been a constant in our lives. It’s playful, powerful, and endlessly humbling. But more
than that, it’s proven to be one of the most life-giving sports you can play.
Tennis isn’t just a game – it’s a practice that supports a long, vibrant life. Research shows that
playing tennis can significantly extend your lifespan thanks to its powerful mix of cardiovascular
activity, mental challenge, and meaningful social connection. We build our retreats around that
very idea.
