Seniors: Brandon Nguyen

Brandon is the brother who is always there for you. So much there, that he sometimes could be taken for granted. He’s not been the best player in the class, maybe not even the best doubles player, and so he can be overlooked when it comes to tennis. But you don’t ever overlook players like Brandon when you are his coach or his teammate.

Brandon brings so much value to the tennis team. First of all, he works hard. Everyone wants to be a practice partner with him because they’ll get work done, and they will get better. Secondly, he listens well. In his match against St. Joe on Saturday, he wasn’t moving forward into the ball. The changeover after I made this observation, he changed it. He and Simon won 10 of the next 11 games. As a coach, I value this.

As a teammate, ask anyone who has played doubles with him. He is fun to play with. There’s no judgment when you play with Brandon. If you mess up, he’s the first to smile. If you get frustrated, he’ll give you some encouragement. And when it comes to playing with him in doubles, he’s a blessing because of his awesome crosscourt battling shots. That heavy topspin provides his partner with so many putaways. Coach after coach this weekend mentioned how well he sets Simon up for the big slams.

And Brandon just keeps playing, smiling, and hitting. No matter the accolades or attention, he stays faithful to who he is as a player and as a person. I appreciate that work, that encouragement, and that faithfulness. I love to see him skipping across the court to give his partner a high five.

My hope is that he is always one who stays faithful to the relationships he values. That his encouragement and energy and more go out to all who cross his path. Thanks for all that you mean to this team Brandon. Thanks for being the steady one we can count on, know that the work you have given has not been in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.