Hello everyone,
Last week was a special week. Not only did we welcome new Assistant Coach Chelsea Patton to the family, but we had a visit from David Wagner to campus and practice which was an outstanding treat.
A Special visit. Throughout life, there are times when you meet an amazing person, someone whose charisma and character just light up a room and inspire you. Having David on campus gave that chance to about 25 local youth tennis players and our entire team as well as several parents, friends and members of the campus
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| David Wagner, 3 time Paralympic Gold Medalist |
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| Coach Chelsea on court with the kids |
community. Thanks to the Whitman Athletic Department for bringing David to our campus as he spoke to a public gathering about his journey from being a kid in Walla Walla to becoming paralyzed during college then taking up wheelchair tennis where he is one of the top players in the world. Read more about David at
www.davidwagner.us
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| Still smiling, while pushing and finishing a forehand... Man does David love tennis |
He passed around a gold and silver medal from London 2012 and talked about his pride in competing and doing his best, it was so special. Then, what we were really ready for, was to see a full time professional athlete on the court. David trains 6-8 hours a day or more and it shows as he just flew back from the USOpen as quad doubles champ and singles runner up. Every kid played with him in "Up Down" doubles where the player in the chair gets two bounces. Then, at the start of practice, he talked to the team and did some warm up with us. Coach Greg from BSU would have been proud to see our team and his daughter out there doing roly poly with David! Many thanks go to College Place Schools and Gear Up for bringing David to Walla Walla and thanks David for sharing your story, athleticism and smile with us.
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| Lil Mo lining up a volley |
Practice update - we are so tantalizingly close to the new courts being ready, but as they are getting their finishing touches, we have alternated between playing indoors in Bratton and outside across town. Even a 5 minute car ride gets me so fired up for our upcoming trip because each person has such great personality and I can't wait for a weekend together to strengthen bonds and forge new friendships. And oh yeah, they play some pretty mean tennis too. We've been working hard to get in match shape with our shots and fitness and it shows. The focus and determination of this team is beyond any I've had the pleasure to coach and with Coach Chelsea there to add an extra pair of eyes at practice, new ideas on fitness and a quick smile and laugh, we are well on our way. In fact, C-Patt was so on fire last week and made such an immediate impact, the team demanded that she be named
Whittie of the Week! Congrats Chelsea!
Fall USTA/ITA Regional - is this weekend in Portland; or rather its hosted by Lewis and Clark at Taulatin Hills Park and Rec center in Beaverton, OR. I hope anyone in the area can come and watch and cheer us on. I imagine the format will be 2 singles Friday starting at 8 or 9am with doubles to follow going into the evening and the same on Sunday with Semis and finals on Monday. I'll blog a preview when the draws come out (probably Wednesday), but keep in touch with me if you plan on coming or would like more details, we'd love to see you!
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| The team with David |
