Why I Hit One More

If you’ve ever been to my house, you’ve probably seen the tennis scripture “Why I hit one more” that hangs front and center. A gift from my grandfather when I graduated High School. 

It reads:

“Time and again Tennis offers me the opportunity to excel pass my mental and physical limits, achieving what I did not think was possible. This game defines competition, and I live for it. Every point of every match is a test. A test comparing my preparation and love for tennis to that of my opponents’. I live for that opportunity to shake hands with my opponents after a match, looking into their eyes, exhausted, shirt soaked, dehydrated and seeing defeat in their eyes. I live to hear the silent echo of an ace hitting the back fense. I live for tennis’ one-on one challenges , and the sirens of this game that grow louder in my heart until I can play again. These are the reasons why I wake up for that early morning lesson, why I hit crosscourt passing shots until my hands blister, why I hit baskets of serves until my shoulder begs me to stop: and Why I hit one more! “

I truly believe this is the best sport in the world. It teaches you more about yourself and life than one might ever imagine. Every time I walk past and read these words hanging on the wall I’m reminded of everything I’ve put into it and what it has given me back… and it’s given back 10 fold. It’s a sport that is not for everyone but can be for anyone that is willing to take the time to learn. It can give you an outlet, teach you patience, and lets you build relationships with people from all over and different walks of life.

That’s why I love this sport and all of the challenges, its up and downs, and why I grew to love this game from the very begging when I first starting learning from the most memorable coach had the opportunity to work with, Shelby Cannon.