One of the best parts of my job is watching my players grow up. Tyson Ramsay, was a member of the 2003 NCAA Championship team. Tyson was a top nationally ranked player who had little bit of a wild streak. Needless to say, our first semester together was a little rocky. I will never forget watching Tyson's first challenge match in the fall semester of his freshman year. Tyson won the 1st set easily and then in the 2nd set his teammate started coming back and so Tyson decided to tank, at that point, I decided to teach the freshman a lesson, so I kicked him out of practice. The next day I received a long email from Tyson telling me how mad he was at me for kicking him out of practice. Normally, I would be really upset to get an email like that, but I actually couldn't stop laughing, and somehow we managed to make it through the fall.
I have two 19 year old boys, so I know from experience, the journey is not always smooth, but, what always bring me back is when they take responsibility and own up too there mistakes. This was Tyson's gift to me. I have had players in the past who really never understood this concept and too me this is one of keys to being successful in life. My respect and love for Tyson really grew over his 4 year career and I am so very proud of what he's accomplished after his time at Emory.
The most important thing that happened to Tyson at Emory was not the tennis team, rather, meeting his future beautiful wife. Tyson and Rachael were married this past June in Palm Springs. This event was the highlight of my summer because Rachael actually said yes, and, it turned out to be an alumni event. Tyson's teammates made the effort to witness and support him through the most important event in his life. Yoji Masuoka, a member of the 2006 NCAA championship team, flew all the way from Tokyo to be at his side.
This event just reminded met that wins and losses come and go, but the bonds that Emory tennis fosters are everlasting. Tyson has come a long way since that fall semester of his freshman year and watching him grow up makes the struggle all worth the while. Tyson is currently doing his residency at the University of Toledo in emergency medicine.
hahaha coach, i think that tennis match was against lavner or globerman. One of those two clowns. Can't believe it's been 10 years. I'm so old. I love emory tennis. best part is def the team and relationships that stem from it. just a ridiculously fantastic, diverse, fun group of guys and coach to go along with it. made every cent of emory worth it. for the boys on the team, cherish it. time blows by in an instant.
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