Coach's Statement
Dom has been an important part of our tennis team ever since he moved back from Kansas just before his freshman year. As I remember, tennis camp was in the first week or so after the family moved back, and Dom really didn’t know that many people at Bethany yet. But he came and had a great time (I think) and the rest is history. He’s been a varsity player for us the last two years, really hitting his stride in doubles recently. He’s also been involved in the girl’s tennis program, being a manager in the spring for Daniel and the girl’s team. In all of those roles, he’s been so valuable.
My favorite tennis memories with Dom have come recently. In the past two matches I’ve seen him play with confidence and belief that is awesome. He and Aaron’s comeback victory against NorthWood is a memory from this season that I’ll always cherish. It seemed as if they were discovering things right in front of my eyes and I love that. He’s had other matches that have made for good fun to, matches at Northridge his sophomore year playing singles where we all gathered up to cheer him on. Matches where he’s been the cheerleader, encouraging others. But there’s nothing like seeing the confidence he’s brought this month.
Beyond the court, Dom is a determined self-improver. He’s not the type of person to float through a drill or take it unseriously. He pushes himself to become better when he takes on the task. I love that determination. But when it comes to how he interacts with others on the team, we’ve really seen Dom turn into a leader this summer and fall. As a leader, Dom is a “uniter,” someone who brings people together. That’s part of why he makes such a good manager for the girl’s team. For our team here in the fall, he’s someone who has brought team concerns to me, who notices how other people are feeling, who cares about his teammates. He’s a leader for our team, but a leader who clothes himself with compassion. That’s why I’ve chosen the following verse to represent both a feeling of who Dom is but also a prayer about the type of leader he can continue to be in the world.
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Dom, you have been a great representation for our team this year of wisdom. You have embodied much of what we want this team to be about - creating a place of belonging, humility and accountability. My prayer for you is that these wonderful gifts strengthen and grow in you, and that you continue to carry that wherever you walk in this world. Thanks Dom!
