When cultures collide it can be beautiful, chaotic, or destructive. Sometimes it can be all things and still somehow co-exist in a teeter-totter type of existence that becomes normal and expected. This is exactly the relationship I had with Jose De Sario. The recent graduate caused me grief on a normal basis but had a passion and love that I wished more players, heck more people, had about things happening in their life.
Jose was one of the guys that came to me like many players do. Some other players had fallen through and I needed a solid player to fill the line-up. I was out of time when I got a call and email from a coach in south Florida. He had this kid that was pretty good and really needed a place to land. When a player is looking for a school at the last minute there are a couple of things going on. One, they aren’t really that good or two, they are bad news. I did my homework and found out that Jose was a national finalist in singles and doubles while a freshman in junior college. He played 4 singles and number 1 doubles while in junior college and had an amazing freshman year. He didn’t have such a great sophomore year but I know the level of the top juco’s and if he lost in the national finals he has some talent. I got a video from the coach and watched it. My first thought was, “This cannot be the same kid. He is a little fat and really doesn’t look like a national caliber player.” My other thought was; “well, he won’t be a number one but he is steady enough to be a good 5 or 6.” After some contemplation I thought, “What the hell, let’s go for it.”
His arriving and being ready to go were not the smoothest of scenarios. Between transcripts, I-20’s, schedules, flights, and every other thing that goes into bringing in a player it was a mad rush. You see, none of this started until the 1st of August and we started school in the middle of August. We had to rush everything but somehow, we made it happen. When things go this fast the player better pay off. I knew it would, or at least that is what I told everyone I could tell. Well, the fall did not set the stage for the talented player I thought I had stolen. At this point I thought that all those red flags truly meant something and I was just too naïve to believe them.
After a lackluster fall, he had lost some favor with his teammates and a little with me. Although his teammates felt that I was giving him preferential treatment I believed I would get from him what I needed. He was a smooth talker and I truly enjoyed speaking to him about life, politics, and other things that had nothing to do with athletics. The problem with all of this was that I needed him to perform and not be my best friend. We started the season against Stetson and Jose started the season at number 4. Just above where I thought he would play. I say that but I am going to conflict myself and tell all of you that I thought he was good enough to play number one. I just didn’t see the desire for him to try any harder so I put him where I thought he would have success. All of that changed after the first match. He won in straight sets while the rest of the team lost. We had a fairly substantial break after our first match so I did a little sleight of hand and moved him to number two for the second match. He lost that next match but then he started winning. He went 15-6 on the season and 13-4 at number 2 for the year. He had some huge match wins and some tight situations that as a coach were not always my favorite. The one thing that I could never doubt was his desire to be on top of the situation. This was also the flaw that haunts him today.
Continuing that first season was his ability to play doubles. His personality was hard and there was only one player that could put up with him and his demands. His partner that season was Brian Slivonik and he will have his own story a bit down the road. The two of them started the season at number 2 but finished the season at number 1. They amassed a record of 15-10 with a 9-7 record while playing number 1. They played the toughest teams and never found themselves out of a match. They were both so arrogant, proud, and damn tough that they just didn’t think they would lose. Jose was named to the Sunshine State Conference All-Conference team in singles and doubles. He was also named the MVP for the team that first year. To say it was all roses would be a lie but he put in the work when the work was needed.
Moving into his senior season Jose would come back in the same position that he left. Jose also had other things that were weighing on his mind as well. You see, Jose is from Venezuela and if you haven’t been living under a rock you understand that things in that country aren’t really going that well. The economic situation was causing a burden to his family and the fact that they were there and he was at FSC didn’t help the matter. He had a great professor around him that is politically savvy. Dr. Anderson kept a leash on Jose as best he could and between school, internship, and tennis his fall was filled. He actually played some this past fall but still didn’t play as much as I would have liked. Once the season kicked off Jose started at number two singles. The problem with doubles was that he and his partner just weren’t seeing eye to eye and I created two pretty good teams without him involved. There is always more to the story and this is one of those times.
Jose was a high-flying singles player who dominated the court with his explosive forehand. He used his two-handed backhand to maintain the point but would laser one if the mood hit him. The problem started when he developed a wrist injury in his left hand which would not allow him to hit his two-handed backhand. Not to be deterred he just simple started hitting a one-handed slice and occasionally ripping topspin one handers. This was great for singles but caused a huge weakness in doubles. When you have a player that is this talented it purely sucks to not have them on the court so I devised the idea of putting him at number 3 doubles. I was sure that I could find someone who could play to his level and put up with his shenanigans to give us three amazing doubles teams. This experiment went on for almost the entire season and statistically was a rousing failure. I tried six partners and not one panned out. A lot of it was his fault but a lot also was the fact that the guys he played with got so tight they could not even play their normal level. Luckily the top two teams pulled the weight and Jose was still tough as nails in the singles. Even with the bad wrist Jose still had a winning record at number 2 singles for the year.
As much as I lost sleep with Jose on the tennis court I truly enjoyed my time with him at FSC. He was a big-hearted guy who lives in a 24/7 passionate state. He is addicted to his phone, loves his country, and wants a lot out of life. When graduation was approaching we had many conversations about what was next. He was going to have to take some classes over the summer to get his diploma so we were trying to figure out how to get that done in the least painful way. He wasn’t sure if he was going to get his MBA, go home and fight for freedom, head to Europe, or become an entrepreneur and dream about success. Well, he headed home against my wishes but is back in the states currently. He completed his necessary classes and received his diploma in July. He still doesn’t know what he wants to do but I know at some point he will figure that out as well. He pained me a lot but if he ever shows up we will talk for hours because I liked the depth of our conversations. He was a great training partner for me and I will believe this forever because I can never be proved wrong; he could have been top 20 in the country if he truly wanted it. He didn’t because he wanted something else and he is still looking for it but what he found was a place where he could be free if even just for two years.
I hope one day he finds joy on the courts again, a country he can raise a family, and a passion for his career like he had to get to the level he was at when he was playing for himself. It is always better when you do things for yourself.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Put in the Work and Make it Happen
“Coach, what do I need to do to play next year?” This was the question posed to me by a somewhat downtrodden freshman at the end of his first year at FSC. My answer was as follows; “You need match play. Just tough matches under your belt.” There are many times in a coaching career that advice is wanted but it is rare when it is actually followed. Sometimes it is even followed too well. Tonight, is the rundown of Brian deMontfort who came in with raw talent and the desire to make it happen.
When I started at FSC I was fortunate to have a talented team assembled. The former coach also had recruited a couple of Florida players who were ready to take on the world. One of them was Brian. Brian wasn’t ranked very high in the Florida USTA but he had a passion for the game. He was a rarity. He had a one handed backhand and liked coming to the net. Somewhat of a throwback player in the modern ages. The one thing Brian lacked was tough match play. During his freshman season, he didn’t play much. He got some matches but wasn’t a daily match guy. He traveled with the team but was a bit inside himself.
Rewind now to the first paragraph. He wanted more and with the departure of a couple of key guys there was an opening. You never know if the player really wants it or if they just want you to hear it. I’ve always felt that the proof would be in the results the following season. The summer was moving along and I went to see one of the tournament matches he was playing. It wasn’t much better but the grind was good for him. As we neared the fall the proof happened. He came in hot. Real hot. He wasn’t in the top six his freshman year and now in practice he was knocking off established guys and even had a little swagger about him. He went through the fall still hot but the season was months away. As we rolled into spring something was happening and I felt guilty even thinking it. Brian was going to start the season at number 2. This didn’t even make sense. He was a man on a mission and he had toughened himself up. There is one problem when you work so hard for a goal. Once you have achieved it you must continue to push or it falls off. In sports we call it peaking. Brian peaked way to early and fell off. He ended the spring season at six or just out of the lineup but he made it through the year.
Going into his junior year we talked about taking some time off and not working so hard during the summer. The fall came and we had another stacked lineup. Brian didn’t have much success in singles but he was a mainstay in doubles. During all is training he had developed a little glitch in his serve. It would just disappear for games at a time. It affected him mentally and I probably didn’t help his cause at all. How could this kid bust his ass to get to the level he wanted and loose his serve in the process. Although his singles game wasn’t great during his junior year he was still integral in the overall team success.
Let’s take a break from the tennis for a moment and talk about the guy that is Brian. His freshman year we didn’t even know if he could talk. Then the fall of his sophomore season came. We were in Valdosta, GA for the Fall ITA tournament. We went to dinner at Ruby Tuesday and someone introduced Brian to strawberry lemonade. I guess the sugar in the 3-8 glasses of strawberry lemonade set off the Brian we would know for the next three years. He was a maniac. Oh yeah, he could talk too. He became just another one of the guys and boy let me tell you they could have some fun.
Like all players who play at a high-level Brian had his share of injuries. The most annoying was his shoulder. It would just cause discomfort and hinder the ability to make great gains. It was also mentally debilitating for him. His senior year was one that had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. He was back near the top of the singles line up but not really having success. It was frustrating for him and myself to say the least. Where he shined though was in doubles. He had the opportunity to play number one doubles and he didn’t waste it. It wasn’t national ranking caliber but let me tell you, playing number one doubles in the Sunshine State Conference on a ranked team is no small fete. Every player you play against is tough as nails and nothing comes easy. He and his partner ended up with a winning record and that in itself is awesome.
Brian was a delightful story in college athletics. He believed he deserved an opportunity, put in the work, and earned that spot. He also knew that when things were not going his way that he was going to be replaced, and when he was he worked at it and tried his damnedest to earn it back. I don’t ever remember him complaining about the lack of playing time or where he was playing. He was a blue-collar player with a heart for competing. Today he is still in the game near Atlanta. He coaches with the same passion that he played with while at FSC. He is married to his college sweetheart Kim and they have a great life together. I enjoyed Brian as a player and even more as a human being. When people ask me if it is possible I throw the story of Brian out to them. If you have talent and are willing to put in the work at some point you will get your shot. You must be ready when your name is called.
When I started at FSC I was fortunate to have a talented team assembled. The former coach also had recruited a couple of Florida players who were ready to take on the world. One of them was Brian. Brian wasn’t ranked very high in the Florida USTA but he had a passion for the game. He was a rarity. He had a one handed backhand and liked coming to the net. Somewhat of a throwback player in the modern ages. The one thing Brian lacked was tough match play. During his freshman season, he didn’t play much. He got some matches but wasn’t a daily match guy. He traveled with the team but was a bit inside himself.
Rewind now to the first paragraph. He wanted more and with the departure of a couple of key guys there was an opening. You never know if the player really wants it or if they just want you to hear it. I’ve always felt that the proof would be in the results the following season. The summer was moving along and I went to see one of the tournament matches he was playing. It wasn’t much better but the grind was good for him. As we neared the fall the proof happened. He came in hot. Real hot. He wasn’t in the top six his freshman year and now in practice he was knocking off established guys and even had a little swagger about him. He went through the fall still hot but the season was months away. As we rolled into spring something was happening and I felt guilty even thinking it. Brian was going to start the season at number 2. This didn’t even make sense. He was a man on a mission and he had toughened himself up. There is one problem when you work so hard for a goal. Once you have achieved it you must continue to push or it falls off. In sports we call it peaking. Brian peaked way to early and fell off. He ended the spring season at six or just out of the lineup but he made it through the year.
Going into his junior year we talked about taking some time off and not working so hard during the summer. The fall came and we had another stacked lineup. Brian didn’t have much success in singles but he was a mainstay in doubles. During all is training he had developed a little glitch in his serve. It would just disappear for games at a time. It affected him mentally and I probably didn’t help his cause at all. How could this kid bust his ass to get to the level he wanted and loose his serve in the process. Although his singles game wasn’t great during his junior year he was still integral in the overall team success.
Let’s take a break from the tennis for a moment and talk about the guy that is Brian. His freshman year we didn’t even know if he could talk. Then the fall of his sophomore season came. We were in Valdosta, GA for the Fall ITA tournament. We went to dinner at Ruby Tuesday and someone introduced Brian to strawberry lemonade. I guess the sugar in the 3-8 glasses of strawberry lemonade set off the Brian we would know for the next three years. He was a maniac. Oh yeah, he could talk too. He became just another one of the guys and boy let me tell you they could have some fun.
Like all players who play at a high-level Brian had his share of injuries. The most annoying was his shoulder. It would just cause discomfort and hinder the ability to make great gains. It was also mentally debilitating for him. His senior year was one that had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. He was back near the top of the singles line up but not really having success. It was frustrating for him and myself to say the least. Where he shined though was in doubles. He had the opportunity to play number one doubles and he didn’t waste it. It wasn’t national ranking caliber but let me tell you, playing number one doubles in the Sunshine State Conference on a ranked team is no small fete. Every player you play against is tough as nails and nothing comes easy. He and his partner ended up with a winning record and that in itself is awesome.
Brian was a delightful story in college athletics. He believed he deserved an opportunity, put in the work, and earned that spot. He also knew that when things were not going his way that he was going to be replaced, and when he was he worked at it and tried his damnedest to earn it back. I don’t ever remember him complaining about the lack of playing time or where he was playing. He was a blue-collar player with a heart for competing. Today he is still in the game near Atlanta. He coaches with the same passion that he played with while at FSC. He is married to his college sweetheart Kim and they have a great life together. I enjoyed Brian as a player and even more as a human being. When people ask me if it is possible I throw the story of Brian out to them. If you have talent and are willing to put in the work at some point you will get your shot. You must be ready when your name is called.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
My Lack of Consistency was Consistent
“If you fall down seven times make sure you get up eight.” The quote goes something like that. This is the way I feel about this blog. Consistency is positive or negative. When you don’t do something on a regular basis you are consistently doing that thing. I have been treating my blog poorly on a consistent basis. I will not lie and say that it will be daily but it will be more consistently put out then it has been being put out in the recent past. Now that I am not coaching I really need to finish writing about each of the players that have been a part of the program at Florida Southern. There are also other people and things that interest me daily and I will spout about them as well.
I was sending out an email earlier this week on my personal account and I realized that my signature still said: Trey Heath, Head Men’s Tennis Coach, Florida Southern College, GO MOCS! Oops, I should probably change that. It then dawned on me that all my social media platforms also had that I was a coach in the college realm. It is funny what brings back memories or how something so trivial can bring on a positive or negative emotional response. Changing careers is something I was excited about for a long time and since I have been working with Michelle I have had a blast watching her do her job and learning the industry from her perspective. Well, I changed my employment but I even caught flack for that. I listed myself as the back-office assistant. I am not a realtor and I do work in the background so I thought it fit perfectly. At some point, I will be a realtor and I will put that as my title. I am also a husband, a dad, a wanna be athlete, an entrepreneur, and probably some other things to some people but since I listed myself as an assistant I had people questioning my motives. No motives, just me being me and realizing I am not the boss at this point. It is awesome not having to make those tough calls after 12 years of making them day in and day out.
There will be a time that I make those decisions but it is kind of fun having a little vacation while in the workplace. Michelle is teaching me her methods and getting to know the clientele is fun and hard at the same time. It is eerily like recruiting and coaching. The best part of the change has been the time I have gotten to spend with my wife and daughter. We have battled through some interesting times these past couple of months but really haven’t missed a beat. Change doesn’t always happen when you want but it always happens when it needs to. As a family, this was a change that we needed, the ironic thing is we didn’t know it when I made my decision to the family in January. Coaching gave me so much and the two institutions, Webber International and Florida Southern, that gave me a home for so many years will always have a place in my heart that will live on for a long time. Heck, I still have green polos and red and grey polos that I wear all the time.
The next time I write it will be about a former player but tonight I just wanted to say hello. Go make tomorrow great and we will chat again soon.
I was sending out an email earlier this week on my personal account and I realized that my signature still said: Trey Heath, Head Men’s Tennis Coach, Florida Southern College, GO MOCS! Oops, I should probably change that. It then dawned on me that all my social media platforms also had that I was a coach in the college realm. It is funny what brings back memories or how something so trivial can bring on a positive or negative emotional response. Changing careers is something I was excited about for a long time and since I have been working with Michelle I have had a blast watching her do her job and learning the industry from her perspective. Well, I changed my employment but I even caught flack for that. I listed myself as the back-office assistant. I am not a realtor and I do work in the background so I thought it fit perfectly. At some point, I will be a realtor and I will put that as my title. I am also a husband, a dad, a wanna be athlete, an entrepreneur, and probably some other things to some people but since I listed myself as an assistant I had people questioning my motives. No motives, just me being me and realizing I am not the boss at this point. It is awesome not having to make those tough calls after 12 years of making them day in and day out.
There will be a time that I make those decisions but it is kind of fun having a little vacation while in the workplace. Michelle is teaching me her methods and getting to know the clientele is fun and hard at the same time. It is eerily like recruiting and coaching. The best part of the change has been the time I have gotten to spend with my wife and daughter. We have battled through some interesting times these past couple of months but really haven’t missed a beat. Change doesn’t always happen when you want but it always happens when it needs to. As a family, this was a change that we needed, the ironic thing is we didn’t know it when I made my decision to the family in January. Coaching gave me so much and the two institutions, Webber International and Florida Southern, that gave me a home for so many years will always have a place in my heart that will live on for a long time. Heck, I still have green polos and red and grey polos that I wear all the time.
The next time I write it will be about a former player but tonight I just wanted to say hello. Go make tomorrow great and we will chat again soon.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Tony D'Angelo--A Former Player at FSC--When Your Dream Becomes Your Reality
There has been a lot transpire since the last time I wrote. The team went from being in the regional tournament to then being out of the tournament. Our last match of the season was a true instant classic where we came up just short. It was a 5-4 loss with the last three matches being decided in the third set with all of them being 7-5 set scores. Heartbreaking for sure but all the guys involved battled hard and left it all on the court. Their season seems to be over but memories of what they have accomplished will last longer than the sting of that one match. Tonight is not about that though. It is about another former player who chased his dream and is currently living it to the fullest.
I am not of Italian lineage nor do I really have a strong ancestry towards any region. My mom is from Illinois and my dad from North Carolina. That’s all I know. So, when Tony D’Angelo, from New Jersey, came to visit before his freshman season it was apparent that he had strong Italian background. His tennis during his tryout wasn’t spectacular but there was this intriguing part of his game that I liked. It wasn’t pretty but it was loopy, grinding, and gritty. In the back of my mind I was thinking that he might turn into a great number six player. His ball looped deep into the court and it appeared that he could do it over and over and was content to just stay ten feet behind the baseline and send the ball back. Once he arrived on campus as a freshman he worked hard to make the dream of playing in the top six a top priority. The team was good but he gave it all he had, and just came up short in each attempt. His tennis game was as unique as his style.
Tony had no problem not looking professional and was comfortable in his own skin. His lack of style, in my opinion, led to new travel attire rules. He was very comfortable in ratty gym shorts and an equally ratty tie-dyed t-shirt. Sometimes the hair was combed and other times it was why bother. He appeared to be aloof in his approach to almost everything but there was a certain intensity that went along with his outward appearing carefree style. Tony and I would hit on occasion and there was a time that I was giving him everything I had. I don’t remember all the details except for this one outburst after a great point for me. At the conclusion of the point he yelled out, “He’s 39 years old.” I was not 39 at the time but it was comical to say the least. What was even funnier was that after the outburst he started doing pushups as punishment for his perceived poor play. Although he was not making an impact in the starting roster he was always around learning about the game, asking questions about why I did certain things, and putting his opinion out there for me to ponder. At the beginning of his junior year all of these questions came to a head when he approached me regarding the possibility of him removing himself from the roster and just being my assistant coach for the next two years. He thought he wanted to get into coaching and this would be a fantastic opportunity to learn.
Over the next two years Tony became a daily fixture on the courts and a great resource for discussing ideas about the team. He also began to travel more frequently with the team which brings me back to the strong Italian heritage. We were playing in Orlando and there was an Olive Garden near the courts. It sounded great because I really enjoy their soup, salad, and bread sticks. This was met with strong disdain from Tony. No Italian would eat at a fake Italian restaurant. As the argument intensified I tried to tell him that the Outback is not really Australian and the Taco Bell isn’t really Mexican food but both are enjoyed by many. This fell on deaf ears and for the next two years we did not eat at Olive Garden. I have since eaten there and it still is good. I think about Tony every time I walk in the front doors.
As graduation neared it became clear that post graduate work would be in the cards and that coaching wouldn’t be far behind. Tony went to UCF to obtain his MBA with a concentration in Psychology and while he was there served one year as the volunteer assistant on the women’s team. It was not a wonderful experience and could have put a bad taste in his mouth but he made the best of the situation and did other things to expand his knowledge base. Once he graduated he took a job with IMG Academy and that lasted for a while until an employment freeze once again put a kink in his plans. It was during this time that he redoubled his efforts to get into coaching and started looking for opportunities around the country. It is funny, when we are putting in the effort it seems like it may never happen, but when we have made enough contacts we seem to get lucky at just the right time. A job came open, not a perfect opportunity but an opportunity nonetheless, so Tony applied. As luck may have it I happened to know the coach personally so when the reference call came I had some exceptional knowledge on both the applicant and the coach. Tony got the job and took the chance. It is awesome to see that he is gaining some substantial experience and I will not be shocked when he is running his own team. I am sure the team will have a tie-dyed shirt for practice but that would be normal for the guy that did it his way every day.
I am not of Italian lineage nor do I really have a strong ancestry towards any region. My mom is from Illinois and my dad from North Carolina. That’s all I know. So, when Tony D’Angelo, from New Jersey, came to visit before his freshman season it was apparent that he had strong Italian background. His tennis during his tryout wasn’t spectacular but there was this intriguing part of his game that I liked. It wasn’t pretty but it was loopy, grinding, and gritty. In the back of my mind I was thinking that he might turn into a great number six player. His ball looped deep into the court and it appeared that he could do it over and over and was content to just stay ten feet behind the baseline and send the ball back. Once he arrived on campus as a freshman he worked hard to make the dream of playing in the top six a top priority. The team was good but he gave it all he had, and just came up short in each attempt. His tennis game was as unique as his style.
Tony had no problem not looking professional and was comfortable in his own skin. His lack of style, in my opinion, led to new travel attire rules. He was very comfortable in ratty gym shorts and an equally ratty tie-dyed t-shirt. Sometimes the hair was combed and other times it was why bother. He appeared to be aloof in his approach to almost everything but there was a certain intensity that went along with his outward appearing carefree style. Tony and I would hit on occasion and there was a time that I was giving him everything I had. I don’t remember all the details except for this one outburst after a great point for me. At the conclusion of the point he yelled out, “He’s 39 years old.” I was not 39 at the time but it was comical to say the least. What was even funnier was that after the outburst he started doing pushups as punishment for his perceived poor play. Although he was not making an impact in the starting roster he was always around learning about the game, asking questions about why I did certain things, and putting his opinion out there for me to ponder. At the beginning of his junior year all of these questions came to a head when he approached me regarding the possibility of him removing himself from the roster and just being my assistant coach for the next two years. He thought he wanted to get into coaching and this would be a fantastic opportunity to learn.
Over the next two years Tony became a daily fixture on the courts and a great resource for discussing ideas about the team. He also began to travel more frequently with the team which brings me back to the strong Italian heritage. We were playing in Orlando and there was an Olive Garden near the courts. It sounded great because I really enjoy their soup, salad, and bread sticks. This was met with strong disdain from Tony. No Italian would eat at a fake Italian restaurant. As the argument intensified I tried to tell him that the Outback is not really Australian and the Taco Bell isn’t really Mexican food but both are enjoyed by many. This fell on deaf ears and for the next two years we did not eat at Olive Garden. I have since eaten there and it still is good. I think about Tony every time I walk in the front doors.
As graduation neared it became clear that post graduate work would be in the cards and that coaching wouldn’t be far behind. Tony went to UCF to obtain his MBA with a concentration in Psychology and while he was there served one year as the volunteer assistant on the women’s team. It was not a wonderful experience and could have put a bad taste in his mouth but he made the best of the situation and did other things to expand his knowledge base. Once he graduated he took a job with IMG Academy and that lasted for a while until an employment freeze once again put a kink in his plans. It was during this time that he redoubled his efforts to get into coaching and started looking for opportunities around the country. It is funny, when we are putting in the effort it seems like it may never happen, but when we have made enough contacts we seem to get lucky at just the right time. A job came open, not a perfect opportunity but an opportunity nonetheless, so Tony applied. As luck may have it I happened to know the coach personally so when the reference call came I had some exceptional knowledge on both the applicant and the coach. Tony got the job and took the chance. It is awesome to see that he is gaining some substantial experience and I will not be shocked when he is running his own team. I am sure the team will have a tie-dyed shirt for practice but that would be normal for the guy that did it his way every day.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Austin Comings--A Former Player at FSC--Shredding the Gnar!
Being hungry is a trait that athletes need to help them get what they want. The funny thing is some players eat better than others and when they get a taste of a good meal they become satisfied. Satisfaction is a slippery slope. We want our athletes to be satisfied but as soon as they realize what they have achieved they see what they can achieve if they become hungry again. Sometimes the lack of progress comes from comfort, an idea that more work will not produce a greater product, or maybe just maybe the want is no longer there.
Tonight’s profile is about Austin Comings. If you have a picture of a college dude in your head, it is probably his portrait. Style, means, and a lifestyle that did not really warrant callouses was how most people saw Austin. He was more than that but was a dude. When I first met Austin, he had come to watch a match we were playing against Rollins. I believe we were getting destroyed and I was sure that Austin would end up going to our rival. It appeared that it fit his personality and life a little better. Much to my surprise he was at our courts when school began in the fall. He came in as a walk on and really didn’t have too much success as a freshman. Fighting for a starting role really wasn’t what Austin was about. He had reached a decent level in juniors, was talented, and didn’t have to put out too much effort to just get by. This made succeeding past where he was difficult, but hey he was on the team and could spin the lack of play however he wanted.
Traveling to Orlando for matches or tournaments was a lot more fun when Austin was on the team. This was where he resided with his mom and sister so when we went that direction all the players gained a mom. We had a few meals at his house and let me tell you she could cook. While we were at the house it was a time that I could see the team in an environment that led them to put down their guards and just be guys and not athletes looking for the next victory. Though Austin wasn’t in the starting line up the guys liked him because of his chill attitude. If there was a music festival nearby, Miami was nearby in his mind, he would get some of the guys to go. He had his own phrases and just breezed through.
As Austin made his way through his college career it became apparent that it was going to be tough for him to crack the top six. Saying this may seem that it was from a lack of talent but that was far from the truth. He had a great game for college. He had a big serve, a huge forehand, and court smarts. He just didn’t have the heart to hurt himself physically or mentally to make the next step in his playing career. I cannot be mad at him but to say I was not disappointed would be an understatement. It is always sad to see a player with talent not want to share it with the rest of us. I cannot be mad because I never had the opportunity to dig deeply into his psyche or to hear his innermost thoughts. Our relationship was a shallow one and he only allowed me to see what he thought I wanted to see. His game was big, his desire to achieve that game was small, but his heart towards his teammates was always sincere.
Not only did his family treat the team as their own kids when it was possible but the team also had the opportunity to have a few weekends at the beach condo his family owned. The condo was steps away from the ocean and the guys, telling me the G-rated version, always seemed refreshed and excited when they returned. During the end of his junior year Austin came to let me know that he would not be on the team next year. He was doing an internship in LA and he wanted to leave his options open and tennis was just going to be too much. As I have stated already, his talent was good but his desire was more about fun. When he finally quit the team he and I would occasionally run into one another when he would come down to the courts to hit tennis balls. This was when I became most frustrated with him. He was playing so good, so free, and so carefree but it was on his terms. He was good at his own world but did not like restrictions that others put on him.
I haven’t spoken to Austin since he left FSC and don’t know if I ever will. We do not travel in the same circles nor do I even know what he is doing now. He was a great kid who I hope has found the freedom he craved.
Tonight’s profile is about Austin Comings. If you have a picture of a college dude in your head, it is probably his portrait. Style, means, and a lifestyle that did not really warrant callouses was how most people saw Austin. He was more than that but was a dude. When I first met Austin, he had come to watch a match we were playing against Rollins. I believe we were getting destroyed and I was sure that Austin would end up going to our rival. It appeared that it fit his personality and life a little better. Much to my surprise he was at our courts when school began in the fall. He came in as a walk on and really didn’t have too much success as a freshman. Fighting for a starting role really wasn’t what Austin was about. He had reached a decent level in juniors, was talented, and didn’t have to put out too much effort to just get by. This made succeeding past where he was difficult, but hey he was on the team and could spin the lack of play however he wanted.
Traveling to Orlando for matches or tournaments was a lot more fun when Austin was on the team. This was where he resided with his mom and sister so when we went that direction all the players gained a mom. We had a few meals at his house and let me tell you she could cook. While we were at the house it was a time that I could see the team in an environment that led them to put down their guards and just be guys and not athletes looking for the next victory. Though Austin wasn’t in the starting line up the guys liked him because of his chill attitude. If there was a music festival nearby, Miami was nearby in his mind, he would get some of the guys to go. He had his own phrases and just breezed through.
As Austin made his way through his college career it became apparent that it was going to be tough for him to crack the top six. Saying this may seem that it was from a lack of talent but that was far from the truth. He had a great game for college. He had a big serve, a huge forehand, and court smarts. He just didn’t have the heart to hurt himself physically or mentally to make the next step in his playing career. I cannot be mad at him but to say I was not disappointed would be an understatement. It is always sad to see a player with talent not want to share it with the rest of us. I cannot be mad because I never had the opportunity to dig deeply into his psyche or to hear his innermost thoughts. Our relationship was a shallow one and he only allowed me to see what he thought I wanted to see. His game was big, his desire to achieve that game was small, but his heart towards his teammates was always sincere.
Not only did his family treat the team as their own kids when it was possible but the team also had the opportunity to have a few weekends at the beach condo his family owned. The condo was steps away from the ocean and the guys, telling me the G-rated version, always seemed refreshed and excited when they returned. During the end of his junior year Austin came to let me know that he would not be on the team next year. He was doing an internship in LA and he wanted to leave his options open and tennis was just going to be too much. As I have stated already, his talent was good but his desire was more about fun. When he finally quit the team he and I would occasionally run into one another when he would come down to the courts to hit tennis balls. This was when I became most frustrated with him. He was playing so good, so free, and so carefree but it was on his terms. He was good at his own world but did not like restrictions that others put on him.
I haven’t spoken to Austin since he left FSC and don’t know if I ever will. We do not travel in the same circles nor do I even know what he is doing now. He was a great kid who I hope has found the freedom he craved.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Trace Collins--A Current Player at FSC--Hitting the Wall and Loving Every Minute
Days like today are what make coaching so enjoyable and heart wrenching all at the same time. Today was senior day as four of the guys played their last match at our home facility. They will all be written about later. We battled hard against another top ten team but came out on the losing end. Joy and grief within a four-hour time span. To ease the sadness of moving on without four great guys and losing another heartbreaking match I will write about a current player making his way through college and figuring out who he is.
Trace Collins is the true meaning of a walk on. He came to FSC after visiting and being told he would have an opportunity to be on the team. He came with an intensity and desire that was worthy of the top players. He trains at an academy in Colorado where he has honed his game under the tutelage of the coaches he has surrounded himself with while training there. His first year was fraught with learning curves. He spent time suspended for grades, as the standards to remain and active member are higher on the team than NCAA standards. He also got beat down anytime he stepped on the court. For the average person, this would-be reason enough to just quit, transfer, or many other alternatives that he didn’t choose. He got his grades back in order and starting in the spring of his freshman year became an active member of the men’s team. The difference between Trace and the rest of the team is that he needed no one to practice with in order to have a great day holding his racket. He would go out and work on his serve, spend hours hitting on the old courts wall, or put himself through countless footwork drills. He did this because he loves the game of tennis and what it means to his life. Playing time on the varsity team did not happen during his freshman year but he continued to train like the next day would be his opportunity to shine.
During the summer, Trace decided to change his major, another big step in his growth, and came back in the fall with the same desire he had the previous season. He continued his private practice and began battling for his spot on the team. Although the varsity team was not yet in reach, Trace became an integral part of the JV team which we are fortunate to have at FSC. Because of the JV team Trace has some opportunities to compete which is what all competitive athletes need. His desire to play tennis is a weird thing to me. I haven’t figured out if he wants to play to get better or just because he loves the sport. I sometimes think he loves the idea of being an athlete with a plan. This spring Trace has gotten to play a few competitive events and continues to grind towards his goals. These goals are personal and I have no knowledge of what they may be as he keeps them close to his vest. All his trainings go into his notebook that he journals in-depth after each session.
One of Trace’s biggest opponents has recently been destroyed. If you ever wondered where he might be you could always walk out back of the gym and potentially see him hitting on the big green wall which used to house four of the old varsity courts. Progress has come and the old courts have been demolished. This wall gave Trace many hours of relentless practice and probably some mind clearing therapy. I’ve pondered for a couple of weeks now where Trace will go for his one on one therapy now that his most consistent partner has been taken away. This will be another growth lesson that he must go through while making his way through FSC. I am not sure where Trace will end up on the team or where he will go as he gets closer to graduation but I do know that in his mind he has a plan for his tennis and his life.
My job is awesome because each of the players that passes through the gates is an enigma wrapped in a riddle that I get to try and figure out. Sometimes with Trace I feel like I am missing some of the pieces and that is why I like the kid.
Trace Collins is the true meaning of a walk on. He came to FSC after visiting and being told he would have an opportunity to be on the team. He came with an intensity and desire that was worthy of the top players. He trains at an academy in Colorado where he has honed his game under the tutelage of the coaches he has surrounded himself with while training there. His first year was fraught with learning curves. He spent time suspended for grades, as the standards to remain and active member are higher on the team than NCAA standards. He also got beat down anytime he stepped on the court. For the average person, this would-be reason enough to just quit, transfer, or many other alternatives that he didn’t choose. He got his grades back in order and starting in the spring of his freshman year became an active member of the men’s team. The difference between Trace and the rest of the team is that he needed no one to practice with in order to have a great day holding his racket. He would go out and work on his serve, spend hours hitting on the old courts wall, or put himself through countless footwork drills. He did this because he loves the game of tennis and what it means to his life. Playing time on the varsity team did not happen during his freshman year but he continued to train like the next day would be his opportunity to shine.
During the summer, Trace decided to change his major, another big step in his growth, and came back in the fall with the same desire he had the previous season. He continued his private practice and began battling for his spot on the team. Although the varsity team was not yet in reach, Trace became an integral part of the JV team which we are fortunate to have at FSC. Because of the JV team Trace has some opportunities to compete which is what all competitive athletes need. His desire to play tennis is a weird thing to me. I haven’t figured out if he wants to play to get better or just because he loves the sport. I sometimes think he loves the idea of being an athlete with a plan. This spring Trace has gotten to play a few competitive events and continues to grind towards his goals. These goals are personal and I have no knowledge of what they may be as he keeps them close to his vest. All his trainings go into his notebook that he journals in-depth after each session.
One of Trace’s biggest opponents has recently been destroyed. If you ever wondered where he might be you could always walk out back of the gym and potentially see him hitting on the big green wall which used to house four of the old varsity courts. Progress has come and the old courts have been demolished. This wall gave Trace many hours of relentless practice and probably some mind clearing therapy. I’ve pondered for a couple of weeks now where Trace will go for his one on one therapy now that his most consistent partner has been taken away. This will be another growth lesson that he must go through while making his way through FSC. I am not sure where Trace will end up on the team or where he will go as he gets closer to graduation but I do know that in his mind he has a plan for his tennis and his life.
My job is awesome because each of the players that passes through the gates is an enigma wrapped in a riddle that I get to try and figure out. Sometimes with Trace I feel like I am missing some of the pieces and that is why I like the kid.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Javier Castro--Former Player at FSC--In a Roundabout Way I Got My Monies Worth
Oops, it has been a minute (I think that’s what the kids say these day) since I last wrote in my blog. I wish I had a good excuse, but I don’t. I took some time to do other things. We’ve played some great matches, had some great times as a team, and just been being a dad and a coach. Well, I’m back so here we go.
Tonight, I will write about one of my biggest on court failures. Be careful how you take that at first blush. He was a massive failure as a player but became one of the best student assistants I could have asked for during his three years at FSC. Javier Castro contacted me while he was a player for Grambling. He was recruited to play there and went blindly. Culturally it was a tough environment for Javier as he was from Ecuador and wasn’t prepared for his first year of college. He was playing one for Grambling and I was pumped to have him coming to our program. For all you compliance people, I got the release and did everything properly. Javier showed up and man was I surprised. He was slightly larger than I had anticipated but he assured me he would be ready to go for the season. Javier was such a personable kid that I couldn’t help like him. He was helpful, wanted to be a part of the program, and just wanted to hang out with me.
As we got going it was apparent that Javier didn’t have the energy to play for hours on end. He had skills but was only good for about four games. This wasn’t going to work for me or for the team. The other players began to grumble about his lack of performance but there was something that I liked about the kid. Time continued and he fell completely out of the lineup but was with me every day. During his first year, he played a few matches in singles and doubles with decent results but not at the level or position he was intended to be playing. During his junior year, he only played one singles match and a handful of doubles. He only lost once but still really wasn’t what I anticipated. His senior year only saw two doubles matches with a 50/50 record. If this was about his prowess on the tennis court I would have rated him a complete failure. I mean, I failed in my recruiting because I was recruiting a player - but I gained much more in the long run.
It was clear early on that Javier wasn’t going to make an impact on the court as a player because he showed no inclination to improve his condition or to work towards what I knew he could achieve. You see, he was damn good but just didn’t give a damn about getting back in shape. This was unacceptable but I recruited him and therefore I owned him. I don’t have an assistant and Javier seemed to have a penchant for knowing what needed to be done. He made sure rackets were strung, balls were ready for practice, and that I had everything I needed for matches. He aided with recruiting and being a buffer between me and the players who were actually on the court working. The players didn’t like that he was taking money and not producing but they liked the way things ran while he was around. Javier was an expensive player but a very reasonably priced assistant coach.
By the time Javier was a senior he was well into his groove as my pseudo assistant. He was my second set of eyes and helped with about everything he could during practice and matches. There are two funny stories to finish up this little piece on what made Javier so great. The first goes a little something like this. When a player comes to visit at the DII level we put them through a tryout. Well, I had this German kid coming in but really wasn’t that excited about him so instead of having one of the top guys work him out I told Javier to hit with him and let me know. Well, Javier played like the Javier at a different school and absolutely destroyed this kid. If my overweight assistant can beat you then I probably don’t have anything for you. The kid thanked me and told me he just wasn’t playing well. Javier and I decided that he wasn’t for us and passed. Guess what, that German kid went to Rollins and proceeded to kick our ass for two of the three years he played there. Yes, that was twice that Javier got me. This one wasn’t his fault. Years later the German player at Rollins and I would talk about that day and he was jet lagged, had just come off a slow red clay court, and was nervous. The next day at Rollins he played great and beat one of their top players. Oh well, you win some and lose some with recruits. The second story is funny. When we travel, we eat well and this trip was no different. We had qualified for regionals and were heading to Boca Raton. We were cruising down the turnpike and needed a nature break for the guys. We stopped at one of the service plazas along the way and I decided I needed a Cinnabon. My naivety allowed me to think that I could eat it while cruising down the highway. As I was attempting to fatten my midsection Javier decided that this was not a safe endeavor. He proceeded to take the bun away from me, take my knife and fork, cut it up and start feeding it to me. Yes, I was being fed my snack by my number one recruit who was my assistant coach. Why not right?
Javier graduated on time, went to Spain to continue studying, got married to his love and now resides back in Ecuador working in his father’s business. As tough as I was on him, as his teammates were on him, and in the situation he allowed himself to be in he made the best of it. He became an invaluable member of the team and made an indelible mark on me. We still talk occasionally and he asks every time whether or not I can hire him as my assistant. He would move in a second and I would hire him just as quickly. I’m sorry he failed as a player but grateful at how successful he was in his secondary role.
Tonight, I will write about one of my biggest on court failures. Be careful how you take that at first blush. He was a massive failure as a player but became one of the best student assistants I could have asked for during his three years at FSC. Javier Castro contacted me while he was a player for Grambling. He was recruited to play there and went blindly. Culturally it was a tough environment for Javier as he was from Ecuador and wasn’t prepared for his first year of college. He was playing one for Grambling and I was pumped to have him coming to our program. For all you compliance people, I got the release and did everything properly. Javier showed up and man was I surprised. He was slightly larger than I had anticipated but he assured me he would be ready to go for the season. Javier was such a personable kid that I couldn’t help like him. He was helpful, wanted to be a part of the program, and just wanted to hang out with me.
As we got going it was apparent that Javier didn’t have the energy to play for hours on end. He had skills but was only good for about four games. This wasn’t going to work for me or for the team. The other players began to grumble about his lack of performance but there was something that I liked about the kid. Time continued and he fell completely out of the lineup but was with me every day. During his first year, he played a few matches in singles and doubles with decent results but not at the level or position he was intended to be playing. During his junior year, he only played one singles match and a handful of doubles. He only lost once but still really wasn’t what I anticipated. His senior year only saw two doubles matches with a 50/50 record. If this was about his prowess on the tennis court I would have rated him a complete failure. I mean, I failed in my recruiting because I was recruiting a player - but I gained much more in the long run.
It was clear early on that Javier wasn’t going to make an impact on the court as a player because he showed no inclination to improve his condition or to work towards what I knew he could achieve. You see, he was damn good but just didn’t give a damn about getting back in shape. This was unacceptable but I recruited him and therefore I owned him. I don’t have an assistant and Javier seemed to have a penchant for knowing what needed to be done. He made sure rackets were strung, balls were ready for practice, and that I had everything I needed for matches. He aided with recruiting and being a buffer between me and the players who were actually on the court working. The players didn’t like that he was taking money and not producing but they liked the way things ran while he was around. Javier was an expensive player but a very reasonably priced assistant coach.
By the time Javier was a senior he was well into his groove as my pseudo assistant. He was my second set of eyes and helped with about everything he could during practice and matches. There are two funny stories to finish up this little piece on what made Javier so great. The first goes a little something like this. When a player comes to visit at the DII level we put them through a tryout. Well, I had this German kid coming in but really wasn’t that excited about him so instead of having one of the top guys work him out I told Javier to hit with him and let me know. Well, Javier played like the Javier at a different school and absolutely destroyed this kid. If my overweight assistant can beat you then I probably don’t have anything for you. The kid thanked me and told me he just wasn’t playing well. Javier and I decided that he wasn’t for us and passed. Guess what, that German kid went to Rollins and proceeded to kick our ass for two of the three years he played there. Yes, that was twice that Javier got me. This one wasn’t his fault. Years later the German player at Rollins and I would talk about that day and he was jet lagged, had just come off a slow red clay court, and was nervous. The next day at Rollins he played great and beat one of their top players. Oh well, you win some and lose some with recruits. The second story is funny. When we travel, we eat well and this trip was no different. We had qualified for regionals and were heading to Boca Raton. We were cruising down the turnpike and needed a nature break for the guys. We stopped at one of the service plazas along the way and I decided I needed a Cinnabon. My naivety allowed me to think that I could eat it while cruising down the highway. As I was attempting to fatten my midsection Javier decided that this was not a safe endeavor. He proceeded to take the bun away from me, take my knife and fork, cut it up and start feeding it to me. Yes, I was being fed my snack by my number one recruit who was my assistant coach. Why not right?
Javier graduated on time, went to Spain to continue studying, got married to his love and now resides back in Ecuador working in his father’s business. As tough as I was on him, as his teammates were on him, and in the situation he allowed himself to be in he made the best of it. He became an invaluable member of the team and made an indelible mark on me. We still talk occasionally and he asks every time whether or not I can hire him as my assistant. He would move in a second and I would hire him just as quickly. I’m sorry he failed as a player but grateful at how successful he was in his secondary role.
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