A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TENNIS PRO IN THE MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY BY CHRISTOPHER CHAFFEE

Written by: on 29th July 2014
the Brisbane International tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A TENNIS PRO IN THE MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY BY CHRISTOPHER CHAFFEE

epa04006626 Australian Lleyton Hewitt reacts during his quarter final match against Marius Copil of Romania (not pictured) at the Brisbane International tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 03 January 2014. EPA/DAVE HUNT AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY  |

Life of A Tennis Pro in the Valley

 

If you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, you become something else entirely-Batman Begins

 

I wake up everyday a little sore from the previous long but hard earned day. I look into the mirror with a determined heart and focused eyes. The first thing I look at is a picture of my hero Lleyton Hewitt pumping his fist with a quote below which reads “Just give 100 percent. And that’s not just in tennis or sports; that’s in life. If you give 100 percent, you’ll have no regrets. “

That awakens the fire inside of me and my eyes begin to set with laser like focus. I am strong, I am determined with my heart on my sleeve.

In my life on and off the court I am committed to get the most out of myself and always have a purpose. It takes a lot hard work and dedication but it is important to me, I enjoy it and I love it. You have got to be prepared to make sacrifices and you have to be disciplined. For me every moment and everyday of this is all worth it. My will is everything.

My day in the life of a tennis player and teaching pro in the Mount Washington Valley consists of setting up lessons with the clients I have built for myself of all ages and all abilities. A lot of it is going out and trying to build clients. It is also about creating and trying to reach beyond them for more. It is about Inspiring others, giving my knowledge and experience for those trying to learn for the first time or wanting to just improve. I try to set up work at least 5-6 days of teaching work a week. I am willing to travel around the valley because the more you reach out and teach the greater the gift is. I love what i do and I show it on how I live my life and how I conduct myself. I am willing to set a leading example of who I am hoping it will inspire people to play tennis or if nothing else to never give up and pursue their hope and dreams. I wish for everyone to try to do what they love because then it doesn’t seem like work. It is always fun and you are doing it from with all your heart. There is a lot for me that goes on behind the scenes to be the best version of myself as a tennis pro. It isn’t just about knowing how to teach or how to feed a tennis pro. Tennis knowledge and teaching experience is important to have. You can only get that from learning from different people and through experiences. There is a lot of resources out there whether it be watching tennis matches on tv, reading articles and books, or from an experienced mentor as an instructor. However for me, there is even more. I love to put in the hard work in the gym, so I can train to be my best and I know physically I can be out there all day. Being physically fit means you mean business. You are hard to beat. I can perform my best work and be the best version of myself, because it gives me confidence. Confidence in my teaching and my playing. The training i do is for a few hours a day several times a week is a priority.I make time for it whether it be early in the morning or late at night. I also make it an absolute priority to play competitive tennis 6 days a week to keep my game sharp.Whether it is playing tennis on the court or coaching I have always been professional in my work ethic. To spend that extra time and days of playing and training and being able to fit it into a busy work schedule those are the moments you push yourself. Doing the extra work preparing shows a lot and it will pay off. You find a lot about yourself. What you are made of.

 

The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it-Molière

 

I am faced with a challenge that also motivates me. It is a challenge i look forward to facing and trying to conquer. The Mount Washington Valley is beautiful scenic area known to attract tourists for its remarkable scenery, outdoor activities, outlet shopping, skiing, but tennis is something like a forgotten buried treasure here. Years ago the Mount Washington Valley hosted the Volvo Tennis Tournament at Cranmore Mountain, where I work now. As time changes everything and things adapt and change, the old remains of the Volvo are just a memory now. Tennis is and unfounded treasure waiting to be discovered. A treasure that I have discovered and trying to share to others. The best way to learn is by example. The best example to set is being a definition of a hard working tennis player and teacher. I may not be on the tour, but I have improved as a player and a player every year. By that alone should be an example by definition to people to want to get into tennis. With this example maybe I can inspire people of all ages and hopefully grow tennis in the Mount Washington Valley. I would love to see people of all ages and abilities fall in love with this sport either for the first time or again. People should love tennis because it is fun and it is healthy. It is great for the body and great for the mind. Tennis has many valuable traits that can be instill in a child or adult that will help them succeed in life. It is a sport that makes you look within yourself.

For me I am going out there and getting my name around the valley. I am going to various places and trying my best to be being a leader in a small town community. Leaders are born for what they are made of. Through what they hope for, believe in, and aspire to be. John Adams said,“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.“ My actions show who I am on the inside as a person and also what I do shows how I conduct myself in life. I want to inspire people and share my love for the great game of tennis. If people look at me they can see how hard I work and what I put into it. I give my best each and everyday. By being well prepared it shows my commitment and determination. It also shows how much it means to me.

Tennis is basically an individual sport, and for me being a singles player it means you are in charge of your own destiny. However in life, you always need to surround yourself with people that are there for you. It helps to have a great support system by having my twin brother and my parents in Maine. I also have all my co-workers at Cranmore Fitness in New Hampshire. They are those who believe in me and my abilities, They have given my the chance and the opportunity. They have offered nothing by encouragement and support. They see my passion, the fire and it inspires them. It means a lot and makes a big difference knowing that you have people who believe in you. It gives you that extra gear, that extra motivation and strength to continue with the task at hand no matter what.

 

 

“To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield” from the poem Ulysses

 

To push yourself to achieve greatness without giving up. Every day I improve on and off the court and I am always learning. I am progressing and getting better. There are no limits. As a player, as a teacher, I can always get better. The same is to those that I coach. You can always improve each and every day. For me it is always about doing the small things, and just preparing as well as possible to go out there and executing. By staying positive as much as possible and trying to stay in the moment and not think too far ahead. One thing I will promise you will always get out of me in tennis is I will give you the best i got each and every day as a player and as a coach. My love to compete in tennis is no different than in life. I can also help others discover that for themselves. So, when my head is about to hit the pillow I go to bed dreaming about my goals and dreams and that’s more powerful than anything. As the next day begins, I will continue to follow my passion with the realization that people may not always remember what I have taught them, but they will remember who I am. I am warrior, a fighter, teacher, and a coach who will take his love for the game and instill it in you.

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