We got a call (on the way home from our beach trip) from the Middle States USTA (U.S. Tennis Association) offering Brady a thousand dollar scholarship to go to the Adidas Tennis Camp at Swarthmore College in Philadelphia. Wow. Brady didn't hesitate with his response...even after I reminded him that he wouldn't know anyone at this week long camp. Brady didn't care about the details...he was all in. I, on the other hand needed more details...especially the one about the age of the other campers my twelve year old would be sleeping in the dorms with.
It's a strange feeling to send your growing child off to camp on his own. Last year was actually his first time away....but it doesn't get any easier. I prayed that he would conduct himself in a way that would make us proud. I prayed that he would make good choices, that he would have fun, that the older kids he would be around would be good kids, and that he would brush his teeth everyday!
Brady amazes me in the fact that he is so confident and really doesn't worry about much of anything. He doesn't get nervous about not knowing people or fitting in or being in an unfamiliar place. He has said before that it is good to get out of your "comfort zone." I think he has learned this by being alone out on the tennis court.
We told Brady a couple of times that he really needed to make the most of this opportunity that was given to him. How lucky was he to get asked to go to this camp for free? Eric wrote Brady a letter before camp...and I took a picture of part of the letter where Eric is explaining what it actually means to make the most of this opportunity...
Eric and I arrived at camp a little early yesterday to see Brady to watch some tennis We could tell right away that Brady was having a great time and that he had made some really good friends. And although one of the youngest campers, it was clear that Brady was heads above the others in his skill level.
Brady was given the hardest worker award. He was the first one on the court everyday and was always motivated to work hard. The campers had to walk from their dorm across campus to the tennis courts. Brady said instead of walking he ran to the courts every day. I can't say I'm surprised he was given this award.....but I am proud.
He works hard....and that's why I believe he was chosen for this scholarship.
One important key to success is self-confidence.
An important key to self-confidence is preparation.
-Arthur Ashe
7 comments:
Are you sure his name isn't Brady Federer?
I'm watching for him at Wimbledon in a few . . .
Congrats! What a wonderful opportunity! I teach tennis at kid camps all summer and it is very easy to pick out the ones who will succeed even at a young age. I am so glad your son loves tennis so much - it is my passion as well. Best of luck to him. He sounds like an amazing young man!
You must be bursting with pride!! Eric's wise words were obviously in the forefront of his mind. Congratulations. To Brady, and to you and your husband!!
XO Kris
Brady is a great kid...he's learned really good skills not just on the court but from his parents that will take him many places in life. Life is a game that has rules and how we handle those rules determines our outcome. The letter shows how everyone should act daily in all aspects of life. Good job parents! Congrats Brady for all your hard work! (P.S to Brady...always thank your parents daily!)
Wow, Kerri!! You must be so proud and what a great opportunity! Brady definitely has the "it" factor and I see an extremely bright future both on and off the court. I don't know if I ever told you, but we have a neighbor who has done great things with tennis and I see many similarities!! He is on a full tennis scholarship at Michigan State University. If you should want to check out his tennis stats, he is John Mullane. You are great parents and it shows!!
Brady is lucky to have such great parents and you two are always going the extra mile for him as the letter from Eric shows. I as a grandfather am so proud of who Brady has become and proud to have a daughter and son-in-law who have become the great persons they are today.
I never really had an intro, just an about page. Glad you’re enjoying everything.but its just taking things from a different perspective.
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