Category: Wilson, Race

THE POWER OF THE DREAM (Celine Dion )

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[Verse 1]
Deep within each heart
There lies a magic spark
That lights the fire of our imagination
And since the dawn of man
The strength of just I can
Has brought together people of all nations
There’s nothing ordinary in the living of each day
There’s a special part every one of us will play

[Chorus]
Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream

[Bridge]
As the world gives us its best
To stand apart from all the rest
It is the power of the dream that brings us here

[Verse 2]
Your mind will take you far
The rest is just your heart
You’ll find your fate is all your own creation
And every boy and girl as they come into this world
Bring the gift of hope and inspiration

[Chorus]
Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream

[Verse 3]
The world unites in hope and peace
We pray that it will always be
It is the power of the dream that brings us here
There’s so much strength in all of us
Every woman, child, and man
It’s the moment that you think you can’t
You’ll discover that you can

[Chorus]
Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream
Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream

[Verse 4]
The power of the dream
Faith in things unseen
Courage to embrace your fears
No matter where you are
To reach for your own star

[Outro]
To realize the power of the dream
To realize the power of the dream

Terriers and Bulldogs

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Noted from an article in July 15,2024 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED by Jon Wertheim

23. A secret hiding in plain sight: college tennis. It’s not just the experience it provides. ( Navratilova’s theory: College players play doubles so they work on their lobs and overheads.) It’s not just the legion of players now populating the draws-though, on Wimbleon’s middle weekend, three alumni from one school (University of Virginia) were in action. It’s also college tennis’s far-reaching effects. Agents come out of college tennis. So do tour employees, significant others and coaches. A few weeks ago, someone wrote into the mailbag asking who was coaching Bianca Andreescu. It’s J.T. Nishimura, who played at the University of California, Berkeley. Speaking of … 24. Peter Ayers played at Duke University in the 1990s. He became a tennis coach in the Carolinas and, nearly a decade ago, began working with Navarro. As she ascended in the juniors, then in college and then in the pros, he remained the chief aide-de-camp. It says a lot about Navarro that she would stick with him. A lot of players similarly situated would have left their coach once they hit the big time.

Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article290059719.html#storylink=cpy

*********************************************

Second Guessing

Here is a clip from an earlier blog—College Doubles

The most fun in tennis is playing for your school team. The doubles point often dictates the team winner. American college coaches. all things equal, recruit players who are good at both singles and doubles.

I believe college women will find great pro possibilities in doubles because of the unique efforts in developing doubles teams.

One flaw in American Junior development is the emphasis on singles ranking only. Doubles play is considered a detriment to singles rank. What if players were ranked on singles and doubles combined. Or simply a combination ranking?

Actually men’s college doubles vets shone brighter this WIMBLEDON. Henry Patten for the UNC Asheville Bulldogs, a winning partner in doubles. Rob Galloway of the Wofford College Terriers played a spectacular first set in the doubles second round. Doubles COUNT in college tennis and the results shed light on a bigger issue. Having coached against Wofford and UNC Asheville years back I can describe them as small mid majors in the NCAA.

Having watched the debacle of college sports ( portals and likeness, who pays how much? etc. ), combined with the decline of minor league baseball compared to college baseball’s staggering TV success (and women’s softball ), —haven’t these two become ” revenue sports “? The Omaha World Series, at $250 a seat sells out weekly. That Honeycutt kid from Carolina deserves a cut.

TV substituted college baseball for the pros when the Major Leagues went on strike. Colleges now are the minor leagues of baseball. Softball is a big TV draw. Are these new “money sports”? Others are growing on TV.

American Tennis players need scholarships to stay in the aena.

Maybe, just maybe

On By ethomasparhamIn L. RACE, R. PICKLEBALL, Wilson, RaceLeave a comment

This from today’s newspaper article on Black Pickleball possibilities :

You are welcome:’ A Black Charlotte pickleball club is creating inclusion and culture BY MYLES MANOR UPDATED JUNE 27, 2024 10:41 AM Kayla Brooks hosts Rally’s pick up & play pickle ball events monthly at Rally. Troyonna Adams, Zenith Creative Media A Charlotte-based pickleball organization is rethinking how Black people view the popular leisure activity. Black Pickleball & Co., founded by Kayla Brooks in 2023, aims to improve the socioeconomic mobility of Black communities by involving them in a sport that is growing in popularity. Brooks says pickleball provides opportunities for professionals to network with each other. “Societies function and people have opportunities based on loose ties,” she said. “It’s not necessarily your best friend, but you know a person enough, and they know you enough that if you need a professional service, you can ask them, and you have that connection from it [pickleball].” Pickleball, which was created in 1965, is considered the fastest-growing sport in the world, with about 13.6 million active players, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. However, only 7.3 percent of documented pickleball players in the United States are Black. Brooks was hesitant to begin playing pickleball herself because, when she was once invited to play, she told a friend, “Black people don’t play pickleball.” These days, Brooks is now directing initiatives to make Charlotte’s pickleball scene more welcoming to Black people. The group has hosted events and pickleball games at Rally and Lab City in Charlotte to engage a new demographic that was previously overlooked. “Part of bringing Black people into this space is not to assimilate to the culture,” Brooks told The Charlotte Observer. “I want them to feel community.” Black Pickleball & Co. hosts events for Charlotteans to connect and enjoy community not just play pickleball. Troyonna Adams Troyonna Adams, Zenith Creative Media REIMAGINING THE COUNTRY CLUB EXPERIENCE Now, Black Pickleball & Co. hosts matches at Rally every month, including a recent Juneteenth event held on June 19. Brooks says the partnership with Rally is a sign that the organization is heading in the right direction. “We aim to radically reimagine the country club experience for a new generation of activity-seekers, and a big part of that is opening up the racquet sport world to communities that have historically been excluded from it,” Rally co-founders Megan Charity and Barret Worthington said in a joint statement to the Observer. “We are honored to have been a launchpad for Kayla to build BPC into the huge success it is today. “We’ve been so inspired by the team and the community that Kayla has built around a genuine love of the game. They motivate us to work harder every day to make Rally the most inclusive and welcoming community possible.” BUILDING COMMUNITY COMES BEFORE PICKLEBALL Brooks hopes promoting Black participation in pickleball can create a space where people can feel comfortable with new experiences. “A lot of Black people miss their seat at the table simply because they don’t play these sports,” said Brooks about the history of Black people not participating in large numbers in sports like pickleball, golf and tennis. To date, more than 500 people have attended Black Pickleball & Co. pickleball events since last August, according to Brooks. “Everyone who comes to BPC is not Black. Everyone is not a millennial. Everyone who comes to BPC does not look or dress a certain way, and we’re very proud of that,” she said. Other pickleball organizations tend to focus on bringing together people who play pickleball, Brooks says. Black Pickleball & Co. focuses on community first and pickleball second. “A lot of people in Charlotte are looking for community, and I think that’s what makes us different from other pickleball organizations is that a lot of other groups are looking for people who like to play pickleball,” she said. “On the converse, we are just looking for people.” Black Pickleball & Co. is not just focused on Black people playing pickleball. It wants pickleball to be a catalyst for friendships, business relationships, and enrichment for participants. “Come in your bright colors, come with everything that you are, and you are welcome in this space,” said Brooks.

This taken from a 2019 blog entitled THE ENEMY AT THE GATE?

  1. How many kids like the Williams sisters didn’t have a father who made that effort? Minority kids, as well as poor kids can gain access to this game.  And it will erase the feeling that “…that game is too rich for me (or mine).”
  2. The issue bigger than pickleball, the USTA, or tennis, is the health of our youngsters. Public education should include embrace pickleball by lining school tennis courts for pickleball, and including it in the physical education curriculum.
  3. My guess is the links between pickleball and tennis and not only many new players, but some very talented players,will emerge.

YELLOWSTONE

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A good friend just told me about his Father buying two young cows–their first foray into bovines. His younger brother and his friend stayed in the field as the rest left. They had a plan.

Steer wresting on the WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS seemed to have new meaning. Actually the two were quite successful, one riding their horse dropped the virgin “bull dogger” spot on the “half-nelsoned” newcomer. The young calf panicked, bolted head first and wide open into a large oak tree. DOA (“DEAD ON ARRIVAL” ) !

Dinner table that evening was stone silent . Father, a mixture of mad and sad, said only: “Boys, in one day you wiped out half my herd!”

“WHERE TEARDROPS FALL “

On By ethomasparhamIn L. RACE, Wilson, Race1 Comment

******** Allow me one last personal experience.  I was given an award at athletic banquet at Barton College.  While I certainly appreciated this recognition, the moment that touched me was at the end.  After the banquet several people came by our tablet to speak.  I try to always be courteous to everyone.  After a few minutes I noticed a Black woman waiting patiently to the side.  I did not recognize her immediately.  After the others went their way we addressed each other.  I listened to her opening comment : “ Coach Parham , you probably don’t remember me.” 

 I quickly headed her off.  “ I can’t call your name but I can tell you that  you made an “A” in the tennis class you took from me.”

She looked puzzled—then spoke.  “Well yes you did  and I didn’t deserve it.  But  I am glad I can thank you and  tell you about that time.”  Other than athletes there were few “average” Black women attending the college.  She was struggling  with being in this strange environment, which became more difficult in a class of white kids, many of whom had some tennis background.  “My feelings of isolation had increased and I truly had about decided to quit college. The same day you called me aside after class.   You gave me some extra minutes of personal instruction on my tennis serve—about which I hadn’t a clue.  You told me to practice some at the lesser used and more private courts near the gym.   And you gave a bucket of tennis balls and a racket.  You also seemed to sense my unhappiness and gave me some encouragement as well as some kind words.   I came here tonite to tell you that I went back from that class and decided not to quit.”

She went on to tell me she had graduated and gone on to a full career and although tears were in our eyes , what was going through my head was how grateful I was that i’d had enough sense, early in my career to be kind  to this young woman.

Momentarily I told her not to feel she didn’t deserve an “A”in this strange class.  “Do you know why you deserved that grade?”

My syllabus stated the high priority I placed on attendance and effort  I arrived at work at 8am  each morning.   After our conversation I watched you at the courts near the gym, early in the morning, practicing your serve .

Your serve got pretty good.”

TEAMS, COACHES, AND KIDS

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(“…don’t you quit!”—–Jim Toney, Tennis Angel )

America loves teams. And teamwork. My Father played team tennis for Wake Forest college in 1928. I played on any team that would give me a uniform. Both sons played high school and college team tennis. My grandson played #1 for Boulder High School as a freshman.

I am passionate about teams, and North Carolina. Later I will examine where this comes from. And how organizations, and “worker bees” and “tennis angels” can make things better.

There are great organizations alrready functioning. The North Carolina High School Athletics Association (NCHSAA ) sponsors the North Carolina High School Tennis Coaches (NCHSTCA). Later we will provide access to national groups.

A part of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), NCTA houses any number of tennis programs. From youngsters to seniors, to referees, to wheelchair competition. All worthy of support. One relatively new group has been the growth of league play. One could conclude the leagues growth was a savior, nationally and in our state as well. Coupled with Title IX and some altered attitudes , Women provided leadership , volunteering with impressive results.

While high scool tennis is only one of our causes, it is the one I feel most inclined to help. In 2015 we provided 700 boys and girls THE LITTLE GREEN BOOK OF TENNIS . Then we made it freely available to over 4,000 varsity boys and girls.

Due to turnover of all those players, plus more than half of the coaches, we offered the book again , with updated instruction in 2022. Here is your free link to edition three: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IstkubA3qBwoJITAtqa2j1l5TW8hc2Myx_6_ZIwGqOs/edit#heading=h.s32ld9zdi0v0

One way to help!

VISION, PLANNING,AND GOALS for growing NC high school tennis teams, coaches, and players.

  1. To put together a non-profit group of our talented tennis people who embrace high school tennis in our state. Perhaps, like the league play leaders, they will function in perpetituity any number of ways to help the cause. The game changes. There is rapid turnover. The league players and coaches have the experience now to help coach, assist, advise referee, etc.
  2. As mentioned , there are already organizations in place and eager to help. We can make all this aid more accessible. Video selection, books, clinics. Some of the coaches are simply appointed, with NO tennis background. My experience is many are good people who do care about the kids. They need help ( see earlier articles) :

WAYS TO HELP—

HOW?

Much is already being done. The NCTA , The USTA, The NCHSAA, The North Carolina High School’s Coaches Association are trying hard to help. Where help is needed comes from several sources:

**** Pay for these jobs is meager compared to what is asked and expected.
****The pay will not attract top notch tennis coaches in most instances. Most of the very good ones are volunteers, or close.
*** The typical “assigned” staffer is often a football coach, one who knows nothing about tennis. Or some similar scenario.
****More and more are “adjunct”, or part time coaches, who don’t have even the academic background that teacher/coaches have.

WHAT CAN HELP?
One way to start is a “THINK TANK” or committee to examine what is possible. We have a tremendous group of fine players throughout the state. We have in place an organization of teaching professionals in NC. Many times the best source is a “tennis angel” who silently plays with youngsters. No one gives more than parents. The club pro benefits from high school families.

There is another largely untapped source in our state. The NC TENNIS HALL OF FAME members. There seems to me to be a group of old pros and young turks in our select group who could also help the coaches in their area. Many of the hall of famers and pros are the same people. Many already give or have given to tennis in many ways. There are so many ways these people could enhance the knowledge, confidence, and performance of particularly the beginning coaches. I can’t list them all. Believe me, you can help.

I would also suggest to these coaches to look for the local angels. My experience is these are great people who only need to be asked. It may be one afternoon a week, It may be a helpful phone call. Showing a drill, filling in for an emergency, play an exhibition, take them to a college match, gift of equipment—old or new, simply attend matches, etc.

I think a good place to start “thinking” would be the coaches, the Pros, the angels ,and the organizations to brain storm the how. The why is obvious. And I think there is ample evidence that this help is available. And I am convinced the link between high school and juniors and parents and these volunteers can thrive.
The first place to start is knowledge plus need. Our hall of famers and our professional tennis teachers are where to start.

Some years back I watched a clinic foe NC high school coaches and concluded “…there is a lot more CARE in that group than knowledge. Granted several of the coaches demonstrated good skill on the court. I have said all along that a high school coach who cares and drives the van properly is all parents can hope for. Now I think it time to help them. They , by virtue of their attendance and willingness to coach our children, have earned our assistance.

COLLEGE, KIDS. QUESTIONS


Consider these:
1. Teaching Pros can be helpful to these high school coaches, players and teams. Very often the pros are much more knowledgeable and specialized in tennis.
High schoolers and younger are a great source for the pro’s business. A nurturing of this relationship is mutually beneficial.
2. High school sports are more and more selective. Basketball and football are sports not all are fitted for.  Youngsters  will look more and more for alternatives. More and more teams means more coaches are needed. In North Carolina more than half of the players are girls . Hasn’t the LEAGUE EXPERIENCE created a large group that now have the ability to help in any number of these programs?
Some stellar athletes might consider tennis because there is now a good coach.
3. Many won’t.
4. Why? Since the early 70’s more and more tennis scholarships have gone to internationals. We are in the third generation of this reality. The skyrocketing of college costs has paralleled the number of internationals.   And the number of grants for Americans have declined in a similar staggering proportion. Families invest tremendous amounts of money into their children’s tennis. It can be rewarded only two ways: 1.The extremely rare route of becoming a professional player and 2. College scholarships. And the scholarships grow more and more important annually.
5. One significant reason people are opting for sports other than tennis is that this third generation of parents and players have seen the scholarships  shipped  overseas.
6. This also manifests itself in the dearth of top pro players in America today. The obvious graph-like decline in quality of players in America coupled with the elimination of Americans selected for college scholarships should be grounds for new ideas.
7. Here is one. Is it not time to seriously study how to restore these opportunities and scholarships to our own?
8. Wouldn’t this benefit the hopeful high school or junior player in terms of motivation.

9.  Much has been written about internationals in American college. 

10. One last suggestion to high school coaches and tennis pros:  Coach–talented players are protective of their games and practices.  Work with the players and pros to allow meaningful practices, and still maintain team sacrifices.  Meet and set up a plan; the kid misses high school practice for pro lessons or a match with a high level opponent and yet gives back to  the team by helping less talented teammates.   Both interact in the long run.    PROS- encourage  why team play may teach more than individual success.  I wondered if  a “prima donna “wouldn’t play for his/her  high school , would they sacrifice as needed to be a good college teammate?

From Elie Wiesel:

“First I am a teacher.”

“If I am a witness (and your teacher ), you are a witness too.”

“Memory is the one thing that can save humanity.”

Student’s question : How do I help? Dr. Wiesel–“Start now! What do you see? What do you know?”

FINAL EDITION

The link at the bottom is to third edition of THE LITTLE GREEN BOOK of TENNIS. It is available to all, freely.

Several have asked why?

Upon retirement I asked my wife what’ s next ? ” I want to move to the beach!” Emerald Isle, NC for 17 years so far.

DIE BROKE by Stephen Pollan has four recommendations for retirees. Number 2 says DON’T RETIRE!: Meaning you should

have other meaningful plans.

In the off season at the beach you need that plan. Over time my plan evolved into “hobby writing”.

Motivation for this tennis book came several sources:

(Son, Dan Parham ) ” Dad–you know a lot about coaching tennis. You can put that stuff in the cloud, for everybody.

(Dr. Mildred Hartsock, late English Department Chair at alma mata , Atlantic Christian College .) ” You have some writing ability. You should major in English.”

( Jim Verdieck, late, great Redlands Tennis Coach). On my asking what happens to his tremendous knowledge? “When I die, it dies”. I told him I would try to prevent that.

(Jim Leighton, late, great Wake Forest Univesity Tennis Coach. ). Coach Leighton was the source of most of my knowledge of tennis. I took notes after our many sessions. He read a first draft of those attempts. “Tom, you have captured much of what we have covered. You can make a good book out of this, and if you do it will do more for tennis than all those National Championsships you have won.”

(Harvey Penick—THE LITTLE RED BOOK of GOLF author). “If you read this book you are my pupil. If you play golf you are my friend. “

( Jim Toney, late Economics Professor at Elon University and tennis angel )… A fine player and promoter of tennis, Mr. Toney and I zeroed in on High School tennis court construction. Later in his life he developed Parkinson’s. During our last conversation I told how much I appreciated the work he had done for tennis. He leaned forward, peering at me with those steely eyes, and said ” Don’t you quit.”)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IstkubA3qBwoJITAtqa2j1l5TW8hc2Myx_6_ZIwGqOs/edit?usp=sharing

(click link for the book )

Thinking ablout the last blog (FINAL EDITION ).

“FINAL EDITION ” REFLECTIONS

A Carolina (UNC CHAPEL HILL) football coach, commenting on my book THE LITTLE GREEN BOOK of TENNIS, suggested “…this is not just a tennis coaching aid, but for all coaches. ” High praise. I then realized I had mostly taken the methods of others, and the praise was theirs. What I also feel is these people showed us something even bigger than specialized coaching ; the whole process of teaching anything.

My Son, Dan, introduced the CLOUD’S possibilites.

Technology made my efforts possible. I hadn’t typed in fifty plus years. Never had cut a computer on. Wasn’t aware of self-publishing.

Looking back I am grateful there were so many good people and places to learn from. Looking forward I see many who could do similar sharing. So many have unique talent, backgrounds, and experience that could help others.

Information shared, data, truth.

PARTING SHOTS—1-2-3.   Or North Carolina High School Tennis——The International “Issue”—-Pickleball.

NO BRAINERS 0N 1. INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE TENNIS PLAYERS. 2. HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS. 3. PICKLEBALL

ON INTERNATIONALS . https://littlegreenbookoftennis.com/category/d-internationals/page/4/

ON HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS

ON PICKLEBALL https://wordpress.com/post/littlegreenbookoftennis.com/5134

ON PICKLEBALL https://wordpress.com/post/littlegreenbookoftennis.com/5134

https://wordpress.com/post/littlegreenbookoftennis.com/5134

https://littlegreenbookoftennis.com/category/d-internationals/

https://wordpress.com/post/littlegreenbookoftennis.com/5134

****PWLI–COMMENT ON DROPPING TENNIS SECTION

  1. Our State, Our Team, Our Kids  (link ?)
  2. The International Issue.  *** (link—“writings “)
  3. Pickleball (link–https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive  EM OLE COACHES  

*** This  is a collection of 100 articles on the growth of international athletes in American College and University athletic programs.   Emphasis on college tennis.

BELOW COME  FROM “google drive”

https://drive.google.com/drive/my-drive   back cover – other books

!!!!!Original I’M FREE FALLING LINKS —

TECHNOLOGY

The obvious possibilities that technology provides applies to these efforts . One initial idea was an effort we called SHOT DOCTORS. ??????? glitch to simple good thing. ***High school volunteers to be ambassdors or liasons –aiding communication between shot-doctors and nc high school coaches and their support systems. Perhaps a gift to these volunteers ( $, gift, Stipend for their team or choice to help worthy. needy team.

THE USTA OR UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION (TONS OF INFO–ONE ON TIPS FOR PLAYERS, ONE ON GUIDELINES FOR COACHES )

UNITED STATES TENNIS PROFESIONALS ASSOCIATION (USPTA) ?????

ALSO –THE PTR OR PROFESSIONAL TENNIS REGISTRY

, PAY/GIFT HIGH SCHOOL “AMBASSADORS. SMARR/ TP ADOPT A TEAM, “FACILLATATORS”

***USPTA TIPS (EXAMPLES) REMEMBER USPTA “COACHING RESOURCES! YOU TUBE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS, KEITH RICHARDSON AND HIGH SCHOOL COACH

https://www.uspta.com/USPTA/USPTA-U/Coaching_Quick_Tips/USPTA_Quick_Tips_Coaching_Resources.aspx

NO BRAINERS 0N 1. INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE TENNIS PLAYERS. 2. HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS. 3. PICKLEBALL

ON INTERNATIONALS . https://littlegreenbookoftennis.com/category/d-internationals/page/4/

ON HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS

ON PICKLEBALL https://wordpress.com/post/littlegreenbookoftennis.com/5134

ON PICKLEBALL https://wordpress.com/post/littlegreenbookoftennis.com/5134

https://wordpress.com/post/littlegreenbookoftennis.com/5134

https://littlegreenbookoftennis.com/category/d-internationals/

https://wordpress.com/post/littlegreenbookoftennis.com/5134

****PWLI–COMMENT ON DROPPING TENNIS SECTION

***www.tomparham.wordpress. com.

This “final wrap – up ” article.

New order 1. LGBT 2. LGBT (3RD EDITION )

3. ” EM OLE COACHES “- X-RATED ? E. T. ?

4. ALOT (A Level of Learning )

5. HELPING —*****FAULTY ON FREE FALLING ORIGINAL can find on FINDER. PLUS HELPING BOOK 2 on internationals here (KM_554e-20161021154500 )

6. THANKSGIVING (TOUGH LOVE AND BEACH LIFE)

7. NEARLY FIFTY (DUCK HUNTING AND PUSSYCAT POKER )

******PICTURE OF BOOKS on back of em ole coaches

ROAD MAPS TO GPS (Cy King –another email from tom parham 3 examples – internationals, using picklebal, high school tennis. either/or print or internet–

“I asked for religion and they gave me an overdose.” Bob Dylan

VISION–SUGESSTIONS–ASSIGNMENTS

KEITH –YOU TUBES, RON—TIP OF WEEK–, JW–BACKBOARDS,—LANE , HELP/ ORGANIZE SPECIFIC AID POSSIBILITIES FROM USPTA, USTA, PTR, NCHSTCA, , TP–DIRECTIONS TO SOLUTIONS IN LITTLE GREEN BOOK of TENNIS, NC HALLOF FAMERS ?