Fashion Show Video

Many thanks to Matt Pierce, the Newks' staff, Max of Fastrack3D Homes and his staff.  As well as Earnestos Jewelry, The Fixx (hairstylists) and The Dancing Pony (clothing) for working so hard on the Fashion Show event and the tourney.  As well as all the sponsors.....Thank-you!

Here is a lil video I put together of the fashion show....enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1b57g3ojzc&feature=youtu.be

Happy Halloween - Video

This is an oldie but a goodie...Natalie and her college team mates....enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/v/Rt1HPc_VoR4?autohide=1&version=3&attribution_tag=boZObxpLaIMeW3pPyvm8vQ&autohide=1&feature=share&showinfo=1&autoplay=1

Video - Newks Pro Am 2013

ProAm at Newks 2013

Many thanks to the many Sponsors and the staff at Newks for putting together a great tourney!  Hope you enjoy the pictures/video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyn4aUugVSM&feature=youtu.be

Today's Update

Natalie lost in the last round of the qualifying round of singles today.  She couldn't find an ocean with the tennis ball today....."the Lord said there would be days like this".  Wasn't easy to watch to say the least.  However, doubles went a little better.  Nat and Jen started out strong taking the first set rather easy.  Then Alda (one of Nat's former UT team mates) and Turner stepped up in the second and after a cramping time out....won the set.  Too bad that a medical time out is not allow for cramping but I guess no one taught the chair umpire that rule.  However, the USTA set her straight, unfortunately that time out and non sense prolly cost us the second set.

So a breaker in lieu of a third set was to be the decider.  We started out on top 2-1, then the lead went back and forth until we went up 9-8.  Then 10-8 and our team was the victor.  Natalie will have tomorrow off, then doubles on Thursday.  Our team will face Sanchez/Gibbs (USA), should be good dubs.

Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Gloomy here....

Morning from a very gloomy Texas.  Hoping to get these matches done, although there isn't rain in the forecast.  Guess folks forgot to look out the window prior to making the forecast.  Natalie is scheduled to play second on today.  Her opponent is Jensen (USA).  Who advanced in the draw when her opponent stopped yesterday's match.  Guess the young lady has been battling the flu bug.

The doubles sign in deadline is noon today.  So we will find out if Natalie and Jen Ellie will play tomorrow or Wednesday.  Our team has paired up one time in the past.  Nat is looking forward to playing with two different partners for the last two tourneys of the year.  

Natalie's is up, which is my que to get dressed and ready to go.....soooo until the lil yellow ball begins to spin.....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Rock Hill Rocks 2013 Doubles

Here is a video of clips ....Rock Hill Rocks Doubles:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlv7Neaw2q8&feature=youtu.be

New Braunfels

Woke up to the sound of a heavy rain this morning.  Thankful that Natalie has a bye in the first round of the qualifying draw.  She is seeded second and will play the winner of the Janseen/Reed match.  Being a 50K, means a qualifier only has to win three rounds to feed into the main.  Nice for Nat to only have to play two, since once fed in her opponent would be playing their first match.

We have been enjoying our hosts Kaysa, Matt, Trevor and Holton.  Ooo and Lily, their precious dog.  Their home is bout 4 minutes from Newks, so a great location.  We really enjoyed Matt's story of meeting "The Fed" at Wimby and not knowing who he was told him he had a great tan.  Toooooo funny indeed!

 Last night we were able to have dinner at The Green Door Restaurant with Ruthie and David.  You may remember them as our host here in New Braunfels last year.  We really enjoyed hearing about their recent trip to South America to visit the town they lived in for many years.  David is a minister and they are very proud of the development of the area they missioned in.  Always a treat to hear their wonderful stories and visit with them.

Gotta go....Natalie will be back to get me shortly so I need to be ready....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Roper PT...check em out

While at the Rock Hill Rocks Open....Natalie pulled a back muscle.  Above is Nat with Lynn who was the PT that took care of her at Roper PT.  Lynne is an amazing PT,  lady and athlete.  The Roper office is in Charlotte, check it out and their services.  An awesome place for treatment and yoga!  Here is their webpage:

http://www.roperpt.com/index.html

Happenings

Set out on Monday on my quest to be in San Antonio, Texas by one o'clock today.  Natalie will be flying landing and waiting for a ride.  Then we will go to meet our host family in New Braunfels, a town we enjoy.  The Newk's Tennis Center will host this 50K tourney, our second year.  Last time I checked, our gal was 3 out of the main draw, so she may still get it.

After  enjoying the southern snowballs of fall*, my first stop was in Memphis.  Had a chance to meet Lynn, Steven, Rhys and Jason, my cousins-in-laws.  Hooked up with Lynn about a year ago via Facebook, so was looking forward to face to face time and her homemade Polish sausage.  An added bonus was meeting the men in Lynn's life, great guys indeed....what a fun loving family.  Sidenote....anyone in Memphis area wanting homemade Polish sausage let me know and I will get you Lynn's contact info, her side business.

The second stop was to be Little Rock but those plans changed.  So Dallas was next.  I was invited to stay with a great gal who I fondly call Sherry #2.  Her family, Dick, Nathan and Jessica helped to make me feel right at home.  We had a great visit, #2 has a great sense of humor.  Highlighted with the yodeling pickle that she shared with me.  Many giggles had by all!

A special lunch with a Baylor grad and local lawyer.  He is a great supporter of sports and wealth of knowledge.  I'm def hoping that convo will help open some doors for Natalie and sponsorships. >>>>insert prayers here<<<<<<<  

After lunch I made my way to Waco, Texas.  Hitting what I call the "wall of travel", I was ready for bed soon after dinner.  Needing to head to San Ant brings me to the end of this blog.  Love and Blessings .....Sherry!

* P.S.   Southern snowballs of fall  = cotton fields

One exhausted birthday gal....

Exhaustion...doesn't even begin to describe.  Natalie and Jackie lost their first round of dubs in a breaker in lieu of a third set, 8-10.  Guess defending their title in Rock Hill wasn't part of God's plan for this trip.

Yesterday morning we were up and out to PT early.  Natalie was feeling much better but as we all know, a pulled muscle needs rest.  Hopefully she will have that the next day or two and feel better.  After PT, we were treated by our host Cassandra to a breakfast.  The beginning to my birthday celebrations.

We said our good byes and headed from Charlotte to The Smokies.  Hopefully for the fall colors and picture ops.  The boys, Nana and Nathan met us.  We had a fun never ending evening, more celebration.  The group of us headed for home and I'm happy to say are there presently.

Early in the week, I will set out via car to New Braunfels, Texas.  Newt's will host the next 50K.  Natalie played there last year, they do a great job.  She will fly out on Friday.  I however, will make many stops along the way to visit family and friends.  Looking forward to homemade Polish food, including sausage at cousin Lynn's home in Memphis.  Then over to Susie's home in Little Rock, then down to Dallas to visit with Sherry.  Hopefully a stop in Waco to see all the Rossi family and Allison. Then pick up Natalie at the airport followed by making our way to our host's home.

Hoping to create a video of Natalie and Jackie's Rock Hill dubs match in the next day or so.  Will post it when finished....until then Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Kid's Clinic.....Rock Hill Rocks Open 25K

Here is a short video formed of the pictures taken at the Kid's Clinic at the Rock Hill Rocks Open 25K.  The staff at the RH Tennis Center have been doing a great job and we appreciate them and their efforts.    Please enjoy the video.........


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwJpSqsD1Fw&feature=youtu.be

We are Blessed in Charlotte.....

Must say that we are totally Blessed to be staying with Lance and Cassandra.  For Cassandra works at a PT center, and got Natalie squeezed into today's schedule.  So we made our way through the traffic and construction to new office space of Roper Physical Therapy of Charlotte.  After a great treatment by Lynne Ray,  Natalie was feeling better.

Must brag about Roper PT.....they offer yoga classes.  Unique in their own right, for there are only 8 people per class and it is lead by a physical therapist.  These small class sizes allow for much one on one time to teach technique and give personalized attention.  And the PT can actually have physical contact with their patient and class attendee.  This allows for individualized focus yoga positions.  Brilliant!!!

Tomorrow, Natalie and Jackie will take on the fellow American team of Muhammad/Kick.  Should be a great match of dubs between friends.  For me, just hoping Natalie is well enough and doesn't cause more issues.  They will play 4th on after 9:30 a.m......which of course is code for 3ish.

Until tomorrow my friends....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Rock Hill Report

Woke up yesterday to a gloomy misting morning.  Which was enough to delay the nine o'clock matches to one o'clock.  Natalie was second on, so she took court around two thirtyish.  She and her opponent sat on the court for twenty minutes or so before the chair umpire decided to appear.  The ladies began and good tennis was happening.  Nat lost the first set.  It was early in the second, when she finished a point and bent down to pick up a ball aaannnnnddddd.....pulled something in her back.  Obviously hurting, she continued to tried to play.  Wasn't very long before she requested the trainer to come to the court.  After a medical time out Natalie began to play again.  Wasn't too long before she decided she couldn't continue and retired.

Anyone that knows Nat, knows that she doesn't like to quit and in her eyes retiring is quitting.  Her very high threshold for pain is a very dangerous thing, as many doctors have explained to us.  As we all know, a back issue is a tricky thing.  So, I was very happy when she decided to retire and I applauded her.  Honestly this match nor any match is sooo important that you should risk further injury.  Of course, Natalie was not a happy camper but I'm very thankful she did not stay out there.

Following the match the trainer worked on Natalie and then she had to be seen by the tournament doctor.  Paperwork!  Returned "home" for a long bath salt bath, then icing.  She was feeling very good afterwards.  So that is good!  Later today, she will go to a local PT for treatment.  Thank God for our housing mom, who happens to work there!  Nat is hoping to play doubles tomorrow (Wednesday), if not then home it is.

Until we find out IF the lil yellow ball will bounce again in Rock Hill.....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!

Rock Hill Rocks Open Update

Escaping the rain delay due to Natalie's quick work in yesterday's match, helped to make a very nice football afternoon.  She begin shortly after 9 a.m. and was off the court in bout 55 minutes.  Playing a very sweet younger player was a great way to start this Rock Hill Rocks Open 25K tourney.  Nat won 6-0, 6-1.

Returning "home", we enjoyed football and snacks which is always a fun Sunday.  Left in the late afternoon to meet the Webers, who drove a very long way to see us.  It is always a delight to visit and giggle with this wonderful couple.  I can't believe neither Jenny nor I remembered to take a picture, we are slipping!  After a snack at a local place, we were back to the tennis center for the kids clinic.

The Jill and the other Rock Hill Tennis Center staff do an excellent job with the kids clinic.  There were about 100 kids in attendance.  Who were all kept busy for bout an hour and half.  Then given a pizza party, autograph session with the players, and an awesome goodie bag.  The families in this area are sooooo very lucky to have Jill and her staff!  I took many pictures, to be posted in next few days.

Returning "home", we found ourselves enjoying Lance's homemade chili.  Accompanying the chili were tamales that they get dry iced delivered from Texas.  My winning combo was.....layer of Frito chips, then a tamale, then chili topped with cheese.  OMG.....fanastic!  Cassandra and Lance are wonderful house parents and we appreciate them so very much!

Today has started out gloomy, let's hope it stays dry.  Natalie will play second on after nine but not before eleven.  Which is code for 11:30ish.  She will play a junior player and fellow American Josie Kuhler.  Should be a match filled with great tennis.  I'll be updating you on how that lil ball bounced as soon as it's done....until then.....Love and Blessings......Sherry!

Charlotte on NASCAR weekend

Greetings from Charlotte....home of NASCAR....well for at least this weekend.  For the fourth time in 13 months we are in a city during race weekend and I stillllll haven't gone to a race.  This must change, for when in Rome......need to do what the Romans do.

We arrive safe and sound at Cassandra and Lance's home.  It is a delight to spend time with them, especially if football is on the ole TV.  Congrats to Mizz, Penn State, LSU and Utah.....great upsets of the day.

Tomorrow, Natalie will begin the first round of the qualifying draw of this 25K tourney.  She will play Mary Smith (USA) at 9:00 a.m.

I'll be updating you on the how that lil yellow ball bounces tomorrow....until then...Love and Blessings...Sherry!

Butler.com Tennis Classic Video - Macon, Georgia

We had a blast in Macon with both old friends and new ones.  The tourney was sooo well run by Eric Hayes, and we appreciate him and his efforts.  The Stratford Academy rolled out the red carpet for us, the staff and grounds are amazing.  Many thanks to Dr. R. Veto, Headmaster and Jaime Kaplan, Tennis Director.

Below is a short video of the Pro Am set to the music of a home grown Macon Man.....hope you enjoy it!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k045NKpIfVA&feature=youtu.be

Wrap up

Wrapping up in Macon, with a loss.  Natalie played really well this week and full of confidence.  Was great to watch, she found her groove.  

We said our good byes and headed home.  Unloaded the car, threw laundry in, unpacked, repacked and now tucking it in.  For we leave for Rock Hill in the morning.

Keeping it short so I can rest... I bid you good night .... Love and Blessings... Sherry!

Next up.....round of 16.....let's go

The round of thirty-two started at around 11 o'clock for Natalie.   There seemed to be a mix up on the coin toss, the coin had a H on one side and a T on the other.  When the opponent was calling it in the air, she noticed the letters and didn't understand the coin.  But after a short explanation and a few giggles the match was on the way.

Natalie took control early and went up 2-1.   Then down 2-3.  Then up 4-3.  Then down 4-5.  Then up 6-5.  Then to a breaker.  Going up quick in the breaker and in full control Natalie won the breaker and set 7-5(4).  Going up in the second brought attention to her opponent's lack of effort or possible problem with an injury.  Seemed as though she stopped using her legs in the serve and running down some of the points.  Not sure what was going on, but Natalie kept up the pressure and cruised into victory lane winning the second set 6-1.  Onto the round of 16 with that win!  Woot!

The opponent for tomorrow's 10 o'clock match is Madison Brengle (USA).  She is the second third seed.  Natalie and Madison played each other in Yakima in 2012, one of Nat's first pro matches.  Madison is one of the most crafty players on tour, I really enjoy watching her.  This round of 16 match will be good tennis amongst friends, which always a great match.

A little "soapbox" side note......dear tennis parents.....please, please, please....represent yourself and your player well.  Witnessed a horrible example of a tennis parent today, embarrassed for her and her player.  A reputation is a terrible thing to waste, so is a first impression.   Sooo sad indeed!

Time to put this blog entry to bed and me tooo....yea ...yea....it's only 7:25 p.m. but.....I'm still recovering from my recent surgery.....so have a lil excuse!  Love and Blessings......Sherry!

Hey Y'all from a "dry" Macon, Georgia

Hey Y'all from a "dry" Macon, Georgia.  Amazing how many memories of Beth Choate-Wortman and junior tennis have flooded the mind this week.  For those that don't know, Beth was Natalie's first coach at age four.  Who was on her way to watch Nat (and others) play our state junior qualifying draw, when she lost her life in a car wreck.  Leaving behind her lovely husband, two very small children and her lovely parents.  Natalie would probably say  one of the most live changing events in her life.  However, we celebrate Beth's life and legacy through Natalie's successes, as well as the successes of other children that Beth coached.  Not to be overshadowing the two most important legacies....her children Luke and Mattie.  

I still marvel today, at Natalie strength through such a horrible event.  After speaking with two other wonderful coaches Rick and Brian, she decided to continue in the tourney.  Playing a morning  match then going home to bury her beloved coach only to return the next day to play tennis.  Her determination to "win" for Beth was felt by all those in attendance.  And win she did, both on and off the court by the person she has become, a true tribute to Beth's influences.   

.....drying tears......

Yesterday was a busy day on the court, and thankful a "dry" day.  Natalie took to the court at 9 a.m. vs.  Michele Sammonds.  A very nice player and young lady.  Going down in the first Nat regained control and won in 6-3.  The second set didn't go so well.  Although Michele played better in the second set, Natalie was making too many unforced errors.  The effects of the second set still reeling in Nat's mind kept her from starting strong in the third.  Going down 1-4.  So happy to say and see her regain control of her mind and the set.  Reeling off 5 straight games to serve herself into victory.  Soooo much gained from that match mentally.  With that third win, Nat earned a spot into the main draw.

Doubles started at 4:30 p.m.  Nat and Jac started very strong, hitting winner after winner.  Winning the first set very quickly, maybe 20-25 minutes.  Natalie continued to play well in the second set, running down some balls that amazed the audience....including me!  Our team fell in the second due to sloppy tennis, altho the opponents did apply a little more pressure.  The breaker in lieu of the third set, started rough with our gals going down 0-6.  We battled back, but tooo little toooo late and lost the the breaker and match.

Onto the main draw info and today's match.  Natalie will play second on after 10 o'clock.   She will be facing Angelica Moratelli (ITA).  Who is ranked 323.  We don't know this young lady, from the looks of her record she chases points in Europe.  Mostly at 10K and 25K tourneys.   

Time to shower and dress ....then.....the lil yellow ball will bounce....until then.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Wet in Macon

After a 2 1/2 hour rain delay, Natalie took to the singles court.  Starting at 11:30, and strong, she played with much confidence and spunk.  Her opponent definitely didn't like Nat's very affective slice ball.  Natalie won in straight sets 6-2,6-2.... Much to the delight of her coach Jason... and me too!

After lunch we returned to the tennis center to await the pro am.  At 6 o'clock we were gathered to hear a short speech by Jared Wallace, son of UGA women's tennis team.  In 2010, Jared elected to have his right leg amputated below the knee.  Of course I am shortening the story ten fold, but this lovely young man spoke about finding his new running leg and embracing the new course of his life.  When able bodied, Jared had a promising future in the running world including a full ride to his pick of colleges.  After many surgeries and life detours hee regained control of his destiny and became a paraolympian.  Jared has broke many records and has won several Paraolympic Gold Medals.  Wow!!  Amazing indeed, what an awesome young man and story.

After Jared's wise words, it was time for Natalie and others to hit the Pro Am court.  After much fun we headed for Rucki's apartment.  Arriving thirteen hours after our departure, exhausted.... We decided to throw a load of stinky tennis clothes in the washer.  Nat got in the shower and I laid down on the sofa for I'm still not feeling up to par.

All of a sudden Nat is yelling "mom what is going on, mom help".  Seem there is an issue with the washer... All the water that was supposed to be filling the washer was now on the floor.  Probably 12-15 gallons.  As I write this Natalie is sopping up water, after callin Stephen who has't answered his phone.  Yikes.... Not what we need right now!

Real quick then I gotta go help.... She play tomorrow at 9 am.  She will play Michele Sammonds, a very sweet young lady.  Nat and Jac will play dubs tomorrow fifth on .... Which is code for 4 ish. 

That's the scoop now I must scoot so I can sop.... until we are dried out and the l yellow ball begins to bounce.... Love and Blessings.... Sherry!

Macon Mush

Natalie play a very solid first set today.  Playing very aggressive and on top of her game.  All witnessed by Nana, her dad, lil Ed, Nic, her coach Jason, Sheeri (spelling?), high school friend Chelsea and a local young man and Nat supporter Joey!!

That fan base helped during the second set when Nat just couldn't seem to find the court with the ball.  Amidst some questionable line calls by her opponent.  The most noticeable sending Natalie steaming off the court in search of an official at the sound of our cheers.  A trip off the court that was way overdue.  Natalie lost the second set. 

At the start of the third Nat insisted on a line judge for her court.  Our gal started the third strong going up 5-2.  Serving for the set and match brought us to the loudest discussion between players.  The opponent hit the ball deep but didn't realize Nat called it out, on the next point the gal hit the ball out and Nat called it.  The opponent thought it was in so asked for line judge.  A good thing.  When Nat went to serve and called out score of 40-15 (match point) the opponent went nuts saying its 30 all.  We knew Nat was right, with them reviewing each point it was discovered that the gal thought the one very deep behind the baseline wa good.  Thank goodness that another ref in the audience had been watching the entire game and confirmed that the ball was clearly out and that Natalie called it out.  So Nat served out the set and match to move onto the second round of qualifying tomorrow.  

Natalie will play Natalie Suk (USA) in the morning at 9 a.m.  

Macon Match time

Natalie will play at 9 a.m. tomorrow! At the Stratford Academyin Macon.  Take 75 south to 475 south to exit 9.  Exit and go left.  Go bout 2 blocks and turn right on Peake.  Go bout 2 miles to the academy which will be on the right.

Nat will only play one match tomorrow.  She is the third seed in the qualifying draw.  Nat plays Petra Januskava from Canada, ranked 1150. 

Until that lil yellow ball bounces... Love and Blessings.... Sherry!

Pics of Party Rock Open, Pro Am and Red Rock Canyon

Here are some pictures I took in Vegas at the Party Rock Open.  Our host Redfoo is a great supporter of women's tennis, and its awesome.  So, many thanks to him and all those that worked so hard to put on a good tennis tourney.  Also included in my video are pictures I took on the many hikes and off road jeep drive I took.  Please enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&ns=1&video_id=_H4lbs6qGgU

Time to catch you up!

Time to catch you up!  First sorry no post from Vegas and for so long.  We had free hotel rooms in Vegas, but they wanted to charge us $20 per day for Internet, a fee we didn't want to pay.  So that we could save our money.

Natalie lost in the first round of singles, she and Jackie lost in the first round of doubles.  Because the next tourney is in Macon, Georgia....Jackie is staying with us.  The two of them have been training with Jason in Atlanta.

We will leave on Saturday for Mercer University in Macon.  Natalie will begin singles play on Sunday in the qualifying draw.  We won't have a match time until Saturday evening, at which time I will post on the blog.  Hope some of you can come to watch Nat, she would love the stands filled with some home town folks.

I had all kinds of troubles getting home.  Was flying Southwest Airlines and had a very rude flight attendant, so I was changed to a new flight.  I was updated to first class and given a $300 voucher for a future flight as an apology.  When I checked in for my flight the next day, I was bumped and received two round trip tickets to anywhere Air Tran flies.  Have to say all the craziness paid off with me getting a total of three tickets for the future.

Upon returning, I had to ready myself for a pre op visit and surgical procedure on Thursday.  So, writing the blog was definitely low on my list of priorities.  Sorry to say!  The procedure went well but I had a horrible reaction to the pain killers and found myself in need of help late last night.  Got that help and was able to get some sleep, so a little weak today but feeling much better.

I do have pictures from Vegas and will try to post them today after a nap.  Until then....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!