Now that Cornerstone Christian Academy has tennis during gym twice a week, I had a chance to talk to Coach Jerry from the Arthur Ashe Youth tennis program. I asked him a few questions, like what does the center do? He told me that it helps diverse citizens and kids keep on a steady path to make something out of their life. Coach Jerry has been playing tennis since he was 30 years old – over 20 years. I also asked him about the center’s founder, Arthur Ashe.
Arthur Ashe was the first black male professional tennis player. Arthur Ashe won many medals from many different competitions. Arthur Ashe was one of the first people to speak freely about HIV and AIDS. Arthur Ashe contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion, and he died from a related disease. Coach Jerry asked me about Althea Gibson, but I did not know who she was.
Althea Gibson was the first black professional tennis player. Althea Gibson made the way for Arthur Ashe and many other black players. Althea Gibson won many awards that no other tennis players won until this day. He asked me if I knew how Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe knew each other. I was not sure, and he told me that Arthur Ashe, and Althea Gibson had the same tennis coach.
During my tennis session I had at Myers Recreation Center, I learned a lot of cool and neat tricks. I learned about the racket, and how to hold and how not to hold it. I learned how to hit the ball faster and how to control it better. I learned the backhand stroke and a forehand stroke. They taught me what each part of the racket was. I didn’t know anything about tennis before that day. Now I am actually starting to like tennis because it’s a fun sport to get into. Coach Jerry also gave me some advice.
Coach Jerry told me that in life I have to try to get where I want to go, and keep looking forward. He told me that people will try to bring you back, but you have to keep your mind focused. Nothing is just handed down to anyone. We have to work to get what we want out of life. If I want a Porsche I have to work to get it. If I want a Mustang I have to work to get. Nothing at all will be just handed to me because life doesn’t work that way. He told me that he once was a boy and he had hopes and dreams. But he made his hopes and dreams come true and that’s something I need to try and do to get somewhere in life. He told me that today the world is so different but if I keep my head focused and straight ahead nothing will be able to stop me. And that I have to want it for myself not anyone else. I have to get a career that I like to do, not something that I am not interested in except for the money, because I won’t be happy. He said keep on the right path and I will get somewhere.
