MEET THE MCCALLS

We travel all over the Southern Section & we meet a lot of nice people... It's our business to be nice to all but some make it easier than others. Some are actually friends:

MEET THE MCCALLS!

Many, many moons ago, we went to a junior tourney @ North Hills Country Club in Raleigh, NC. We met mom & dad <roy & lisa>, son & daughter <caleb & lauren>. We saw them repeatedly over the years... including the Southern Closed 10s in Columbia, SC where we caught up with 25 funny boys <look for "courtney" - near the end> & asked them to wish their dads a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY :)
<the video is super-blurry but remember - it was 5 yrs ago,
an eternity in technology!!>

Things were going along just fine & then SURPRISE: Due to job situations, they had to move to Atlanta! They were looking for a good academy & as always - you know we recommended WINDWARD TENNIS ACADEMY!! They visited, fell in LOVE with Coach Torrey Hawkins & the rest was history - or so they thought.

Time went by, kids grew older & mom stressed over the family being separated at holidays <remember, Lisa?> Anyway, we ran into the McCalls all the time, recorded tons of match play videos & even a college recruit video for Lauren & then, out of nowhere... SURPRISE: Due to job situations, Coach Torrey had no choice but to move on & Lauren's future <in tennis> looked bleak. But just as they were trying to cope with the loss of Torrey, SURPRISE: OMG-LAUREN SIGNED WITH WESTERN CAROLINA & WILL PLAY D-1 TENNIS NEXT YEAR!!

We caught up with Lauren & mom Lisa @ Southern Closed 18s in Mobile & they were nice enough to answer my questions about the HIGH-TECH TENNIS College Recruit Videos <thanks for the plug, Lisa!> & about the best & worst parts of junior tennis <thanks, guys for being cooperative when I put you on the spot!>.

Like all of us, the McCalls had been busy living their lives but it turns out they had to experience one more chapter first. Due to job situations, SURPRISE: They get to move back to where it all started-CARY, NC <which is near Western Carolina!!> 

& they really WILL start living 

HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!

ALL THE VERY BEST TO THE MCCALLS!!

THANKS FOR YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP & SUPPORT!!

THE RESULTS ARE IN

NOW YOU CAN GET IT!!

DVDs are low-tech but our first name is

HIGH-TECH!!

That's why we're very excited to take this big, potentially game-changing step!! If you don't like change, then don't, lol.  

DVDs are still available, as are flash drives, but we're extreeeemely excited to announce our newest format for your match play video:
LINK TO ONLINE VIDEO !!!

We launched this newest format at the GEORGIA JUNIOR OPEN last weekend & it was VERY popular. How popular? 

Check out the percentage of total sales:

ONLINE: 48%

DVD: 32%

FLASH: 19%

Growing pains can be painful so please be patient with us as work out the kinks, lol.

THANKS AS ALWAYS FOR YOUR AMAZING SUPPORT!

WANNA PLAY COLLEGE TENNIS?

2015 Tennisrecruiting.net Team Championships & College Recruiting Combine

(High School Age Players Only)

USTA Georgia Level 2

August 7^th-9^th

College Recruiting Combine - Aug. 7^th only

The event will be hosted on Friday, August 7^th from 4:30-6:00PM at the Fields Club in Norcross, GA. The event is in addition to the Tennisrecruiting.net Team Championships the following day. This is a non-competitive drill session to perform in front of college coaches as well as have an opportunity to talk further with a college coach at the combine. From 7:00-8:00PM, a coaches panel discussion will take place to help further everyone’s understanding of the college recruiting process.

Tennisrecruiting.net Team Championships - Aug. 8-9th

USTA Georgia Level 2

The tournament will be on August 8-9^th at the Fields Club in Norcross, GA. Players sign up individually and will be placed on a team via waterfall format.  

Coaches from the following schools will be in attendance for both events in their recruiting efforts:

College of Charleston, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Mercer University, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Emory University, Armstrong State University, University of the South, Roanoke College, University of Alabama-Huntsville, Oglethorpe University, Columbus State University, Clark University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and LeTourneau University. 

In addition, HIGH-TECH TENNIS will be offering special deals to help players achieve their recruiting & training goals :)

If you have questions, please contact John Lawrence @ john@monaghan-insurance.com. Hope to see you there!

BIG CHANGES @ WINDWARD

BIG THUMBS UP FOR CHANGE IN JULY 2015: 

The new owner @ Windward Lake Club <from SC> didn’t know what a gigantic mistake he was making but it didn’t take him long to learn what so many of us already know. 

Thankfully, he removed the LOSERS, we no longer have to HATE Windward Tennis Academy <LOL> & we are happy to resume our support of the great people at this great academy!!!

Not only that, we are VERY EXCITED to learn that our friends COACH CHARLES BYRD & COACH HENRY DARKO are the new co-directors of junior tennis the Windward Tennis Academy!!!

Accordingly, we're THRILLED to return to Windward Lake Club for the G12 NATIONAL HARDCOURT CHAMPIONSHIPS for the

8TH STRAIGHT YEAR!!!

BIG THUMBS DOWN FOR CHANGE IN JANUARY 2015: 
As you may know, we have proudly supported & highly recommended Atlanta’s BEST junior tennis academy for the past 9 years but EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, we are severing our relationship – 100% – with the WINDWARD TENNIS ACADEMY.

Our good friend DAVE POWER retired last week, causing a ripple of changes that we believe are bad for junior tennis in Atlanta. Certainly we no longer want anything to do with Windward & one of the best things about being self – employed is we get to choose the people with whom we spend our time. ENOUGH SAID.

All the best to the players who train there, to the coaches & all remaining staff.
Thank you for your support & your friendship over the years
& hope our paths cross again going forward!

READY FOR A RANT???

One of the biggest, most fundamental aspects of tennis is SPORTSMANSHIP. So why does it seem like we see so little of it? And the bigger question is why does it seem like no one really cares?

Speaking as a FAN <not a person who makes my living in the sport>, I get sooo tired of watching tennis players act like privileged prima donnas - guess I'm mostly referring to the male version but not sure what the proper word would be, lol!!

Junior tennis has so, sooooo many problems but some of the most obvious are the gamesmanship & downright cheating, the players who treat tourney staff like something they just scraped off their shoes & the way too many players feel like they're "above" the rest. So then I got to thinking...  

I'm not saying it's their responsibility as role models <o.k., yes - I am saying that> but geeez. How about if the professionals started acting like professionals instead of behaving like big babies when things don't go their way?? After all, the game of tennis can be extreme frustration that seems almost endless but if you can't take the tennis heat, GET OUT OF THE TENNIS KITCHEN.

You know it's bad when all you have to do is a simple google search by typing in these ADULT player's names & the word "TANTRUM."I'm looking at YOU, Nick Kyrgios. And YOU, Andy Roddick. And YOU too, Ryan Harrison. 

I was too unaware of tennis back when John McEnroe deservedly earned his "SuperBrat" nickname & even my darling Roger Federer behaved badly <when he was a child, not an adult!>

I know, I know. Controversy generates interest <if it bleeds, it leads> & tennis players have been acting out for decades. Some would argue that ANY publicity is good publicity since tennis seems to be going down the tubes for all but the most serious tennis fanatic. BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT & it certainly doesn't make me want to support a sport that denies but too often lives up to its "tennis is for spoiled rich kids" image.

Bratty behavior is unacceptable - especially when it comes from someone who's supposed to be a PROFESSIONAL & as a fan, I hate to see it soil the pristine sport of tennis ... at Wimbledon, no less!!

Next time you wonder where the bratty juniors got the idea that it's o.k. to behave like spoiled jerks, think about this blog post.

RANT OVER.

A 15YO ANGEL NAMED ANGEL

As you may know, we've been recording matches for junior tennis players for TEN YEARS. We've met hundreds <thousands?> of kids but we've only met ONE ANGEL.

We chose not to have kids of our own but that doesn't stop us <me> from really connecting with certain players, especially when we see each other repeatedly at tourneys where we spend loads of free time with each other for years on end. I can't explain why but I've always been drawn to a young girl named ANGEL. Not sure exactly when we met but I've known her at least since 2012 because I snapped most of these pics :)

*We're proud to support our partners at holabird sports & we were happy to share one of the bright tees with Angel when we saw her in Montgomery, AL in 2015*

*100 kids can walk by without me saying a word but there's something about ANGEL: I always say HELLOO to her & she always greets me with a warm smile as she did in Mobile, ALin 2014*

*For who-knows-what-reason, ANGEL has always tolerated me endlessly taking her picture as she did in Mobile, AL in 2014*

*Getting her braces off was such a big, big deal & ANGEL showed me her beautiful smile in Louisville, KY in 2013*

*Didn't take this pic of ANGEL from 2012 but Allison Johnston's mother asked us to include it in Allison's Match Memory Video*

*Didn't take this pic from 2012 but ANGEL'S proud dad told me about her winning the Sportsmanship Award & he agreed to send the pic*

So she's certainly photogenic :) & I always knew there was something special about her but I could never put my finger on what it was...until I very suddenly & very tragically lost my step-brother last fall <!!!!> & then I truly learned that the inside of this beautiful ANGEL is just as beautiful as the outside.

When I saw ANGEL approaching our tent, I greeted her as always --- then <in spite of the fact that we were working & surrounded by hundreds of players & parents @ the Mobile Tennis Center> I spent the next 2 hours <?> crying my heart out & sharing my most personal feelings with this young lady. In that moment, she was more of a loving disciple in a dark blue warm-up <look @ 2nd pic above> than a 14yo child!! She gently listened as I explained what happened & we discussed whether I have a strong religious background <I don't>. She shared how important her faith is to her & she encouraged me that this might be the time to pursue that. She hugged me many, many times as I tried <& failed> to regain my composure. In those moments, ANGEL was a calm, sweet sounding board & it was easy to forget she was just a child.

When we finished talking, I knew we'd shared something very special. Again, I'd always felt drawn to ANGEL but now I knew we were connected. I have never experienced that feeling before & I will never ever forget it. I sent a video to surprise her & she wrote back with a 2-page handwritten letter. She didn't just say "THANKS" but instead she included a very personal message. Among many other things, here is what she said: "You have a huge heart & I pray for you & your husband Danny that you both will find your way to God through Jesus." Again, I do not have a strong <or any> faith but the experience I shared with Angel was as close to a miracle as I've ever been.

Having said all that, I am so very proud to share this video that ANGEL just sent to me. I'm sure she has no idea that mental health has always been a very personal subject to me. Having several family members & close friends who struggled with & lost the battle against mental health issues, I know how incredibly important it is to #StopTheStigma.

If the sensitivity & maturity of the following video don't touch you, brother <sister?> you ain't human, LOL! 

IT'S O.K. TO NOT BE O.K.

What a powerful message & even more powerful messenger!!

This obviously has nothing to do with junior tennis... 

It's about something much, much bigger.

Thanks, ANGEL...Love Ya!

COLLEGE RECRUIT VIDEO DAY IN NC

We can help you take your first step!!

THIS IS OUR ONE & ONLY TRIP TO NC so don't miss your chance!!

 WHO: You & Your Hitting Partner

WHAT: College Recruit Video Day in NC

WHEN: Sunday, July 24, 2016 from 2:00-6:00 PM

WHERE: Hard Courts @ Olde Providence Racquet Club, Charlotte, NC

WHY: So you can achieve your recruiting goals!! 

THE FINE PRINT

We normally charge $399 for a College Recruit Video but if you bring at least one other person who purchases a video <your hitting partner?>, we’ll reduce BOTH of your costs to $349. Finally, we encourage recruits to consider these two OPTIONAL services:

1.   We can upload & attach your College Recruit Video to your player profile on TennisRecruiting.net so that coaches can discover you there. Cost: $30 & need your login info to access your paid account <will not work if you have a free account.>

2.   We can record your Match Play Video during the NC Clay Courts <July 27-28> & send you the video for training. Cost: $30 for link to online video, $35 for DVD or $40 for Flash Drive.

Please refer to our website for much more info & contact us ASAP to reserve your specific time. Note that it’ll take approximately one hour-ISH J If you have questions, we’ll be happy to answer them – just contact us via video@high-techtennis.com or text 678.640.2723 bcuz phone calls always slow us down, LOL ...

COLLEGE NIGHT @ SOUTHERN CLOSED

Was it the panel of college coaches or was it the free pizza??

Once again, TD Scott Novak arranged a group of college coaches to take questions from 75 players/parents as they gathered for an hour under the tent @ the Southern Closed 18s in Mobile, AL on June 13, 2015. He said he hoped the night could be a positive one & that players would learn something. HIGH-TECH TENNIS was honored to be included & we distributed HIGH-TECH TIPS (T:Thoughtful I:Insights for P:Prospective S:Student-Athletes) gathered from players, parents & coaches who have been through the recruiting process. Why not learn from those who have walked the walk!?! Click HERE to access the HIGH-TECH TIPS.

{Any errors in transcribed minutes are unintentional.}

COLLEGE COACHES

• Head Women’s Tennis Coach, University of Louisville (D-1)
• Head Women’s Tennis Coach, Williams College (D-3)
• Head Women’s Tennis Coach, U.S. Naval Academy (D-1)
• Head Men’s & Women’s Tennis Coach, Mississippi College (D-2)
• Associate Men’s Tennis Coach, Penn State University (D-1)

TOP 10 QUESTIONS

1. WHAT ARE COACHES LOOKING FOR: Each coach attempted to answer this very broad question! One said that coaches have a set of criteria & recruits have a set of criteria but finding that match is very difficult. Another coach mentioned Title 9 & limitations for scholarship money. With 6 scholarships available for women but only 4.5 for men, he said he can’t make a mistake on the men’s side. He also said that he’s looking for GOOD DOUBLES PLAYERS & that’s a big part of his team. Junior players are typically concerned with ranking in singles & doubles is more of a fun thing (it’s not something that they put a lot into) but if you’re working with a teaching pro, this coach suggest that you say “help me in doubles.” The third coach talked about watching to see how players compete, how they handle adversity & how they treat their opponent during the pressure of match play. Coach #4 talked about the importance of academics, being positive & excited to be part of the team & playing with a lot of heart & determination. The final coach mentioned the importance of asking the coach a lot of questions, not just following their friends to a specific school & developing a true relationship between the coach & the team.
2. WHAT PERSONALITY TYPES MAKE STUDENT-ATHLETES SPECIAL: Obviously people mature & change over time & coaches understand that because they’re educators first. Every coach wants to know about the player’s competitive level, which can sometimes be learned during 7-hr bus rides (!!) but the bottom line is that the team is a family. Student-athletes have responsibilities above & beyond that of the average student & did you know that student-athletes graduate with a higher grade point average & at a faster rate than does the average student? In addition, some student-athletes are being trained to be military officers who represent the academy, as well as our country, in a manner that’s befitting. Division 3 schools are highly academic with highly distinguished student-athletes. These student-athletes are looking to excel in academics & athletics. The things they learn through this process are skills that companies are looking for & many want to hire graduates from our school.
3. WHAT ABOUT WALK-ON PLAYERS: As long as the walk-on player can contribute to the team & practice well, they can play but it’s tough because they’re fighting an uphill battle. One coach shared that some of his favorite players are walk-ons because their attitude is a little different than everybody elses. Some schools have a no-cut policy for 12 men & 12 women. Some schools call them ‘development’ instead of ‘walk-on’ players & one coach stressed that these are not bad players. Walk-on players can be 5-star, ranked #50 in the nation.
4. UNDERSTAND NCAA GUIDELINES: Everyone should be familiar with scholarships and how many can be given. For women, a fully-funded school can only give 8 scholarships. It doesn’t matter whether the coach only gives $1 or a full scholarship, he can only give out 8. For men, it’s an equivalency sport & because it has to balance the scholarships given for football, they only get 4.5 scholarships. You have to understand this: If you are a male & you are going to try to play Division 1 tennis, chances are YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET A FULL SCHOLARSHIP. Did you know that Steve Johnson, who’s playing on the pro tour, didn’t get a full scholarship? He may have been during his last year but don’t think he even got a scholarship during his first year.
5. UNIVERSALTENNIS.COM <UTR>: Each player at this tournament is assigned a specific number <based on a very serious algorithm> that refers to their ability to compete, not wins & losses. For example: The #1 male player @ Penn State has a UTR score of 14.21. The score for the bottom player on Penn State’s men’s team is 13 so a junior with a UTR score of 12.5 has potential & coaches will be looking at him. The best players may not have the best-looking strokes but they win so examine your UTR score & understand if you’re a walk-on or a line-up player for each specific school. Go to universaltennis.com & find your number to determine the kind of schools you should be considering. Keep in mind that UTR scores depend on “quality” matches. That’s why scores are very inexact & should be used as guidelines ONLY.
6. WHAT ABOUT TENNISRECRUITING.NET: Both tools are very useful for players to determine if they could potentially play for a specific college. Tennisrecruiting.net is based on wins/losses but don’t over-estimate the value of either tool.
7. WHEN TO COMMIT TO SCHOOL: There is an epidemic of juniors committing early because their friends are committing. The days of official visits during September of your senior year are going to end because the kids will have signed as juniors in November. Best advice: TAKE ALL YOUR VISITS & DO NOT LET A COACH PRESSURE YOU INTO COMMITTING. Start looking at schools during your junior year & make list of top 5 schools but understand you will not make a living playing pro tennis. Commit to your school based on your major & what you want to study. Remember that students can take as many UNOFFICIAL VISITS as they want but the moment the college pays even $1 toward a stick of gum, it becomes an OFFICIAL VISIT. Women feel pressure to commit early but you should not make a rash decision. You should start earlier, rather than later & look at schools as early as 8^th & 9^th Make a list of wish schools, add some fall-backs. If you travel around the country to tournaments, stop by and visit schools along the way. An unofficial visit is the most important tool in your arsenal. Understand the rules regarding when a coach can contact you & understand that when the school verbally commits to you, it is not binding. You cannot sign a binding contract (NLI) until November of your senior year.
8. DO YOU HAVE TO PLAY ITF TOURNAMENTS: One coach shared that her school has just two international players who have played ITFs but players don’t need to go all over the world to chase points. The tournaments in the US are strong enough. If your section is extremely competitive, you might benefit from playing ITFs because they are international & closer to college tennis but they are not necessary.
9. ACADEMICS & SCHOLARSHIPS: Some schools can package funds & some schools can’t. Some schools offer athletic money & no academic money. When you ask the coach about money, ask if they package athletic money, academic money, and even need-based money. Did you know that Ivy Leagues are pretty much free if you’re a tennis player who’s good & you have the grades to get in? Contact the financial aid department at the schools <don’t call the coach> to determine the specific criteria for academic scholarships. Understand exactly how much you can afford for your education.
10. HOW TO PROTECT STUDENT IF SCHOOL CHANGES DIVISIONS: Make sure you understand the rules! Once the scholarship is granted, the school cannot pull the scholarship without a reason. Being injured is not a reason but becoming ineligible academically is a reason & if you get injured & you’re not doing your rehab properly, that is a reason. But if the school changes divisions and they pull the scholarship, you can ask for an appeal.