Liezel Huber - Doubles Specialist

Tennis doubles specialist Liezel Huber holds the current number one doubles ranking on the WTA tour with Lisa Raymond. Over the course of her career Huber has etched her name deeply in the history books excelling in her professional role. Huber is the distinguished title holder of being ranked number one for the second most weeks in women’s doubles history. In the next few days Huber will partner with another doubles specialist, Lisa Raymond to represent the United States at the Olympics in London.

Huber was born in Durham, South Africa and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2007. During her career Huber has won fifty-two doubles titles including five Grand Slams and three WTA Championships. In 2009 Huber successfully teamed up with Bob Bryan to win the mixed doubles at the French Open and in 2010 at the U.S. Open. Prior to partnering with Lisa Raymond in 2011 Huber won four Grand Slam titles with Cara Black from Zimbabwe. 

SZ: What age did you begin playing tennis? Who introduced you to the sport and what opportunities did that person provide to open the doors to your future as a tennis pro?

LH: I probably always had a racket in my hand. My twin sister and I were 6 weeks old when my mom played her first league match again. We were next to the court! My parents both played. My grandfather and uncle were avid players. For sure it was my mom's influence that opened the doors to my career! My sister and I took our first lessons at age 5.

SZ: You left your home in South Africa at 15 to attend the Dennis Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina. How many years did you train at the Van Der Meer Academy? What training and insights did you gain during the time you lived at the Academy that help you as a professional?

LH: I trained at Van Der Meers for 4 years on and off while playing junior tournaments and pursuing my pro career in the satellite and challenger events. At Van der Meer we spent 6 hours a day on court. I needed that! 

SZ: Who are/were your athletic role models? What qualities do you admire about them? Are there any of these qualities you have taken on and applied to your own life? 

LH: I have a huge respect for all professional athletes. They are so dedicated, disciplined and have huge goals. That is inspiring to me. I admire the natural athlete and the self made athlete. I am the self made one, not all the talent, but worked really hard. Everything I do I try to give 100%. 

SZ: Your doubles partnership with Cara Black is regarded as one of the greatest women’s doubles teams in history. When you partner with someone over a lengthy period of time how do you plan out the tournament schedule? Do you negotiate a calendar date to sit down and discuss your goals as a team technically/strategically/physically?  How far in advance does the team decide these things? 

LH: A partnership with another doubles player (specialist) is much simpler, than someone that plays singles too. The schedule becomes simpler when you only play doubles. You decide together. It's that simple. We don't play week after week anymore like we did when we started on the tour. Having a week off is very valuable. We know our schedule at the end of each year for the next year. 

SZ: When a doubles partnership continues for an extended period of time what do teams do to keep the game and the doubles relationship fresh so both players skills grow and you remain engaged in the team process?

LH:  I think what keeps a partnership fresh and keeps me as an individual motivated, is reinventing my game as I go along. Tweaking my game by adding a shot, improving my serve and adding some plays as a team. 

SZ: Do you travel with a coach full-time? What are the duties of the coach? 

LH: Yes, my husband coaches me. We have been married for 12 years. He has coached me on and off for most of that time! He knows me best. He can tell just by looking at me what I am feeling at that time. He knows my strengths and weaknesses. It hasn't always been easy having a dual relationship, but we have made it worked nicely. 

SZ: Lisa Raymond and you are partnered to represent the United States in the 2012 Olympics in London. Depending on the draw which teams will be the biggest challenge and why? Besides playing in the event what are you looking forward to as an Olympic Athlete? If you have time to watch other events what will you go and see?

LH: We are extremely excited to represent Team USA in the Olympics! We don't look ahead in any competition and this will be no different. I love my Team USA apparel! I look forward to the opening ceremony (marching of the athletes) and meeting my fellow team mates! I love exchanging pins and try to find the very rare ones. We are there to compete, so I highly doubt we will have time to see other events except for tennis.

SZ:  Are you retiring from professional touring in the next few years? What are you looking forward to during retirement that you haven’t been able to do while playing professionally?

LH: Of course retirement is nearing. You can't play professional forever! I look forward to becoming a mother, God willing. I look forward to spending time on court at Huber Tennis Ranch. We have a big program with many aspiring young players. I also look forward to taking vacations in our motor home!

SZ: What are your hopes/expectations for American women’s tennis in the next 3-5 years? Do you envision the Huber Tennis Ranch as playing a role in developing American tennis? 

LH: America has a lot of strong, talented, up and coming female players. They are already shining and will continue to rise on the rankings. I hope Huber Tennis Ranch will play a role in developing players for sure! We have 15 Quick Start courts. We even have a beach volley court too! 

SZ: After Hurricane Katrina in 2005 you began a charity, Liezel’s Cause, to help the families that relocated in Houston in the aftermath of the massive flooding from Katrina. You receive much praise and appreciation for your charitable involvement. How has your charitable involvement broadened your life? 

LH: I am not very active right now in my charitable causes. I have a lot on my plate and think it's unfair if I can't give 100%. We still do food can drives, cereal drives, toy drives and give back to the community whenever we can. I love helping people! We teach our kids at Huber Tennis Ranch to give back. 

SZ:  Do you have a favorite quote or story that has guided you on your professional path?

LH: Celebrate the good and the bad times. Enjoy the good times, because there will be bad times ahead. Enjoy the bad times, because that is how we learn! I celebrate both!

SZ: Liezel thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat. July 28th tennis begins at the Olympics in London soon followed by the 2012 U.S. Open beginning August 27th in New York.

*Photo credits to Julian Finney/Getty Images (Raymond & Huber defeated Mirza & Vesnina in the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship Feb. 2012).

*Featured guests are not current nor former clients of Susan Zaro

*This article can also be read @ examiner

Keith Wilbur - SCU Water Polo

Keith Wilbur stepped in as the Santa Clara University men’s and women’s water polo coach in 2002. In 2006 he became the all time most successful men’s water polo coach and surpassed the 100 wins mark in 2008. Wilbur began his coaching career as the boys varsity water polo coach at Menlo School. Wilbur is a graduate of Princeton University. As a player he was a team captain his senior year, leading the Tigers defensively to three Ivy League Championships. Wilbur was also a member of the U.S. National Team in 1997-98 and competed at the l997 World University Games in Sicily, Italy. 

SZ: In 2002 you took over the coaching job at Santa Clara University. In 2006 you achieved the honor of becoming the most successful men’s water polo coach in the university’s history. What have been the staples of your coaching success? What are some of the changes you’ve brought to this program that got it rolling?

KW: In terms of being the winningest coach, I think that has mostly to do with longevity.  I really like Santa Clara University, and I made a commitment to be here for the long term when I was hired.  I have been very active recruiting since my first day here, and I think that change probably had the most impact.  Other changes have been more gradual, from lifting weights on a year around basis, running workouts in the off season, and creating a club program over the summer to give the athletes more opportunities to play.  As we have improved, I have challenged the teams with a tougher strength of schedule every year, and I think they have benefitted a lot from playing high level competition.

Another huge change for us was the construction of the Sullivan Aquatic Center. About four years ago, Jack and Joanie Sullivan donated the money for this pool and it has made a huge difference for us.  We went from having a non-regulation, too shallow, too short, and too narrow of a pool to having one of the best facilities to play college water polo.  Practices are better, recruits are more interested, and we play 10-15 home games a year whereas we used to average about 2 home games a year.

SZ: Highlights of your athletic playing career include playing for Princeton University, being on the U.S. National Team (1997-98), and competing at the 1997 World University Games in Italy. What useful experiences in training and playing have you brought into your collegiate coaching role?

KW: I learned a lot from the different coaches that I have had from high school to club to college to National teams.  I have definitely drawn lessons from the best coaches I had, but I also learned from negative experiences I had with other coaches, and I try not to do the same as them.  Tim Hugar was the coach at Princeton my freshman year, and he was the best coach I ever had in terms of getting the team psyched up to play games.  I just remember his pre-game talks, and by the time we hit the water, everybody was so amped up to compete.  I felt like we exceeded our potential in every game we played that year.  Paul Nelson was the coach at Princeton my last two years.  I really like the strategies that he taught, and the relationships he developed with the players.  I think there is a fine line to being a coach where your players can like you, but also need to respect you.  Paul was able to balance the two very well.  I also thought he was great at identifying his player’s strengths and putting them in the best situations to excel.  

SZ: As coach of both the men’s and women’s teams how would you describe the mental/emotional difference of coaching/communicating with players? Is there a noticeable difference?

KW: I am asked this question a lot and I definitely notice a difference coaching the men and women. I truly enjoy coaching both teams and regardless of gender there are many different personalities with all the player’s. I really like the challenge of figuring out the best coaching approach for each personality and how to get those personalities to mesh well to work as a team. I find need to talk more when I coach the women. Whether it’s constructive help or positive feedback, they like to know what I am thinking and how they are doing. If I am not doing this they feel ignored. The men do not desire as much constant feedback. If I let them go without saying much, they usually assume they are playing well until I point something out.

SZ: Besides a player possessing athletic skill what are the clues you look for that demonstrate a player will be a good fit for the team dynamic?

KW: Outside of athletic skill I look for work ethic, responsibility, intelligence, competitiveness, maturity, the ability to work well with others and leadership. 

SZ: What types of team building exercises do you set up for the player’s to promote team chemistry?

KW: I have been fortunate to have a sport psychology consultant, Adam Saucedo work with both programs and he does a lot of these type of team building exercises. Adam started with us three years ago as part of his final project for his Master’s, and now works with over half the teams at Santa Clara U. One of my favorite exercises that he does each week with our team is having every player stand up and pick a teammate that they appreciate and explain why. This is not something I expected my player’s would buy into right away, but they were totally into it. I think it is a great skill to be able to recognize another person for a job well done. It also means a lot to receive that recognition from a teammate. I find this exercise really opens up communication between player’s, motivates them to work hard for each other and builds our team chemistry. 

SZ: What are your duties as a coach during the summer months? Is there down time or is it recruiting time?

KW: In water polo we are actually allowed to run club teams over the summer that include our college players.  Most college teams in California also have summer club teams, and we have practice throughout the summer and play in a league with games most weekends.  I run practices from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at night, so the players can still get summer jobs and internships that work with our schedule.

I also do a lot of recruiting over the summer.  There are lots of club tournaments with great opportunities to see players from all over the country.  The biggest summer tournament is Junior Olympics, and it is a four-day event for the boys, and then another four days for the girls.  Every year I camp out at JO’s, watch about 10 games a day and see a ton of players.  This year Stanford is hosting JO’s, so I do not have to travel very far.  Boys JO’s are July 28-31, and Girls JO’s are Aug. 2-5.

SZ: You have a very busy schedule what do you do to recharge your energy to avoid burn-out? 

KW: This may sound funny but I still like to play water polo. I find playing is a great break from coaching. I have a master’s group called BAM and we practice a couple of times a week. I usually go with them to a couple of tournaments a year. My master’s team has asked me to coach them, but I refuse because it is my break from coaching and I really just want to play. I just returned from a World Master’s tournament in Italy and had a great time. I feel totally recharged for coaching and recruiting this summer. 

SZ: Do you have any favorite quotes, stories, tips that have guided you on your path to success as a water polo coach?

KW: I have read a lot of books and quotes by John Wooden, and I really like his approach and the life lessons that he taught while coaching. I also feel that I benefitted a lot from coaching all levels.  Right after I graduated from college, I came back and coached my high school (Menlo School) junior varsity team, then the varsity team, then club teams, and then college.  I learned every step of the way, and I am still learning.  

SZ: Keith thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview.

Go Broncos!

*This article can also be read @ The Examiner
*Featured guests are not former nor current clients of Susan Zaro

Tim Hanley - Houston Dynamo's

Houston Dynamo’s assistant coach Tim Hanley has coached in Major League Soccer for 13 seasons and in American soccer for more than 20 years. Over the years Hanley coached three Goalkeeper of the Year winners in a four-year spread  from 2002-2005. Hanley worked in MLS with the San Jose Clash and San Jose Earthquakes and has coached in the A-League, in the Premier Development League, and at Stanford University (2002-2005).

As a player, Hanley participated for six seasons in the United States and the United Kingdom. He began his professional playing career with the Blackpool and Coventry City in England, later returning to the United States to play in the North American Soccer League. He played with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, San Jose Earthquakes and Golden Bay Earthquakes.

SZ: Besides the obvious, keeping the opponents kicks from going through the goal posts, what’s a goalies job description?

TH: The modern goalkeeper is pretty much today’s quarterback in football. His job is to organize and command the entire field.

SZ: What are the top 3-4 mental physical qualities of successful goalies?

TH: Absolute mental toughness and the physical attributes of a NFL Defensive back. Size is important now. Technology has changed the equipment forcing a change in the athlete. Leadership capability. The position is like a sports version of a Navy Seal.

SZ: You began playing goalie at age fourteen. Did the role come naturally to you or did you have coaches that opened up your awareness to help you become a force as a goalie?

TH: Growing up I played every sport imaginable, wrestling, track, baseball, volleyball and basketball. I played football my freshman and sophomore years in high school and ran track-cross country. There were no mentors or coaches for a sport that was so new at the time in the United States. I sought out resources to learn on my own. I felt that the goalkeeper position combined everythingI liked in every other sport.

SZ: What helped you gain awareness as a goalie in ways that enhanced your skill development?

TH: Back in the late 60’s and early 70’s there were no soccer coaches per say. I watched a PBS show called “Soccer made in Germany” that was on one night a week for an hour. I watched and tried to emulate the actions of a few of the goalkeepers. 

SZ: What is the role of a goalie coach? Your season is very long. How do you stay sharp and motived through-out the season?

TH: My daily work involves the entire team day to day but my ultimate responsibility is the goalkeepers. Our training sessions reflect the long and arduous regular season. We take time off, play games that are not related to soccer and then play games that are specific to the match environment. 

SZ: How were the San Jose Earthquakes connected to the current Houston Dynamo’s?

TH: The ownership group in San Jose felt that they could not get a stadium built so they moved the team to Houston after the 2005 season. The Earthquakes name, logo, and statistics were not transferred and remained inactive in San Jose until 2007 when the Earthquakes were reactivated. The Houston Dynamo’s officially became a new team.

SZ: The Dynamo’s have moved into the new beautiful BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston. Does this mean that soccer is on the rise as a spectator sport? 

TH: Houston is the fourth largest city in the U.S. The Earthquakes were moved to Houston in 2005 because of the stadium possibility. When the Dynamo’s moved to Houston the club originally played home games at Robertson Stadium on the University of Houston campus. The club moved to BBVA Compass Stadium during the 2012 MLS season. MLS has always felt that it is vital for each team to have it’s own soccer specific venue. Soccer in the U.S. is growing but I do not feel it will eclipse the top four sports, NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. Those sports are some of the big guns because of their T.V. deals.

SZ: The Dynamo’s playing schedule runs from Feb - Nov. As a coach how do you help the goalies stay mentally engaged, motivated yet manage their rest and recovery periods during that long stretch? How many days off do player’s typically have during a week?

TH: Our schedule actually runs from Feb. through Nov. with the final in December. We play at least once a week for the most part and have stretches where we play a lot games. A few weeks ago we played four games in eleven days. The MLS schedule calls for thirty-two games. In addition we have ten reserve matches, US Open Cup matches,  Concacaf Champions League and friendlies-exhibitions. We will play close to 50 games not including the reserve matches. We qualified for the CCL matches because we made the MLS Cup Final last year. CCL home and away in Mexico and El Salvador in the 1st rounds. 

We have to manage not only the players mental state but their bodies as well. I try and keep things light and in perspective. Our work reflects the players current state of mind and their physical capacities. There are days when we just do light ball work without ever diving or jumping around. By the end of the season there are a lot of keepers around the league whose keeper coaches have them flying around all season and their performances suffer. We joke around, have silly exercises and do a few things off the field.

SZ: Is there a specific training protocol that the player’s are exposed to to aid their performance?

TH: We do some film/video work with the keeper’s breaking down situations and the decisions that were made. Goalkeepers are inevitably going to make mistakes be embarrassed etc. So we keep it light, make sure they can laugh at themselves. Everything is brought out in the open. Part of my job is to see that they can recover immediately after making an error. We cannot afford to have a keeper stuck on what just happened in a match.

SZ: What advice do you have for up and coming player’s aspiring to become professional soccer goalies or play professional soccer. How challenging is it to be a successful player in this game?

TH: I am one of those that believe professional athletes are born not made. Your genetic package will determine a great deal of your success in sports. Combine the physical attributes with passion and playing a sport at the professional level is possible. I have always felt that in America, if one can play a sport that allows them to leverage themselves into a college that otherwise they would not have been able to attend; then they have done something right.

SZ: Tim thank you for making time in your very busy schedule for this interview. 

Go Dynamo’s!

*Featured guests are not former nor current clients of Susan Zaro

*This article can also be read @ www.examiner.com

United States Gay Open

Memorial Day Weekend means many things to many people. For many gay and lesbian tennis players from the U.S. and around the world, Memorial Day Weekend has come to mean tennis. For thirty-two years San Francisco’s Gay & Lesbian Tennis Federation has, on Memorial Day Weekend, hosted the United States Gay Open. In recent years the tournament has been held at Stanford University’s Taube Tennis Stadium. This year the tournament will be in full swing May 25th to May 28th once again at Taube Stadium. 

Steve Nugent is this years tournament co-director and responsible for registration and scheduling.

SZ: What is the history of the tournament? 

SN: The first year the USGO was held was in 1981. It was created by a group of guys who got together because they wanted to play tennis but with their gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in an environment where they felt safe. Back in 1981 the political climate was a lot different. Even though San Francisco had Harvey Milk fighting for equality you also had things like the Briggs Initiative which was trying to ban gay and lesbian school teachers from the classroom. All these things were going on and these guys just wanted a safe stage to play tennis. That group of guys turned into what’s now known as the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Federation (GLTF) of San Francisco. At a certain point in time when that group became solidified as an organization it took over running the USGO. 

SZ: The USGO is based in San Francisco?

SN: Yes, it’s always been based in San Francisco although the tournament has been held in various venues in the bay area. The last few years we’ve been holding the tournament at Stanford University. The venue is very nice and it solves a few logistical issues for us because there are a lot of courts on the Stanford Campus. There are not a lot of large facilities in San Francisco that are cost efficient to rent.

SZ: How has the tournament developed since its inception in 1981?

SN: It began very small and was from what people know the very first gay and lesbian tennis tournament that billed itself as such. Over the course of the years as the tournament became more popular the USGO was born which was followed by another organization called the Gay Lesbian Tennis Alliance which is kind of a governing body of an entire world tour of Gay and Lesbian tennis tournaments. There are about forty tournaments on the calendar and at least one tournament is held on every continent, except Antarctica. You can pretty much travel the world and play on the tour. The tour schedule can be accessed at GLTA tour schedule.

SZ: Are the tournaments held on all different court surfaces? Is there a Grand Slam of GLTA tennis?

SN: They have what’s called a Master’s Series. Every year certain tournaments are designated as Master’s Series Tournaments. There isn’t a Grand Slam but there are what people call the Crown Jewel Tournaments. Many of those are the oldest most established tournaments like the USGO. 

SZ: There are forty tournaments around the world?

SN: There are around forty tournaments now. All across the United States, Canada, all through Europe and Asia. The most recent tournaments have been coming up in Asia. There is a new tournament in South Africa. It’s the first GLTA tournament to be held in South Africa. 

SZ: The GLTA is the governing body for these tournaments?

SN: Yes, countries can apply for sanctioning under the GLTA to hold a tournament. 

SZ: Why did you become involved in the tournament?

SN: I love tennis. I’m like the guy who you see playing in the rain. I love the game and I’ve always been a doer. I like to be involved so I’ve been on the board of directors of the GLTF before and on the board of directors for other tennis organizations. I think it’s a lot of fun. It’s high pressure and intense but I get a rush out of that. Most of all I like being with the people and like the community feel of it. 

SZ: What level player are you?

SN: I play at the “B” level which is the U.S.T.A. (4.0). I’ve been working hard to get in better shape so I can move up to (4.5). I need a serve though.

SZ: Do you play in the tournament? 

SN: I do and actually I’m a very competitive person. I play lots of tournaments and GLTA tournaments on the GLTA circuit. I also play a lot of the U.S.T.A. tournaments that are held through-out the bay area.

SZ: Where do the entrants that play in the USGO come from?

SN: It’s world wide. This year I am director of registration and scheduling. We’ve received entries from USA, Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, New Zealand, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei and in past tournaments players have come from South America. 

SZ: Does the USGO have its own ranking system different from the USTA? 

SN: The USTA has its own ranking system and the GLTA the governing body has a ranking system that it uses. You can check out the the ranking system on GLTA.net. The rules are basically a mirror of the USTA rules as far as play, conduct, scoring. The GLTA point system is a little bit different. 

SZ: Is it set up as (3.0/3/5 etc.) or A/B/C?

SN: It depends on the tournament. The different countries and the different tennis organizations have different rankings. When you are a tournament director you receive a chart that tells you how to translate the different countries rankings.

SZ: Is there prize money in the tournament?

SN: No there’s no prize money. The GLTA mandates that whatever profit is brought in the tournament donates a percentage of that profit to a charitable organization. The GLTF is a non-profit organization.

SZ: Do players need to be LBGT to participate? 

SN: No they don’t. Anyone can play in USGO tournaments. A lot of times what we do have is like gay parents and their children play. We had a lesbian mother and her son play. This year we have a veteran GLTA player who’s going to play doubles with his fourteen year old son. Everyone is welcome to play as long as they are respectful.

SZ: How did the tournament organizers make the decision to let anyone play?

SN: It’s decided by the tournament directors who have certain leeway as far as how the tournament is constructed.

SZ: How would a player’s experience be different playing in the USGO than any other tennis tournament?

SN: The main difference is that a lot of the GLTA tournaments are structured like big events. It’s a lot different from a USTA tournament that you would have a match on the weekend, you’d play your match, chat a little bit with people you know and then go home. When you’re not involved in the tournament you would leave and the day is over.

With the USGO and other tournaments there are things going on besides the tournament. For instance for the USGO this year on May 10th there was a GLTF shopping day at the Sports Basement in downtown San Francisco. On May 17th there is a USGO draw party at City Racquet Shop in San Francisco. There is a welcome party for all the players on Thursday, May 24th at The LookOut in the Castro. The players receive participation gift bags, it’s just kind of a big party. On Friday, May 25th is the Women’s Social. On Monday May 28th is the tournament banquet. There’s a DJ, raffle, entertainment, it’s a lot of fun.

SZ: So it’s a big party with some sports.

SN: It really is. A lot of people who play GLTA tournaments aren’t necessarily competitive people. They play they lose and then they enjoy themselves, watch tennis and hang out rooting for their friends still in the tournament. They have a lot of fun. There are also hard core competitors who come to win. For both types of players it’s a social event and great tennis.

SZ: Tell me a story or incident that highlights what the tournament is all about.

SN: A great example is a GLTA veteran coming from San Diego will be playing playing doubles with his godson. That really kind of encompasses what these tournaments are all about. Be proud of who you are and sharing that with your friends, family and building that community. 

Personally I remember the first time I played a GLTA tournament. It was the USGO, I believe in 1998 or 99. I was really nervous but once I saw it was a real tournament and it turned out to be a lot of fun and in an environment where I didn’t have to worry about anything other than playing tennis, I just knew there and then this was what I wanted to be involved in. Most of my circle of friends have been born out of the GLTF and playing on the GLTF circuit. I’ve built this world wide tennis community and I feel I can go anywhere and play.

SZ: That’s the cool thing about tennis, forty tournaments around the world is not localized and isolated. You play all over the world which is fabulous.

SN: Right I can go anywhere and feel at home because I know I am part of this thing. It really allows me to be free in a lot of ways and share that with people. The GlTF fields thirty-three USTA teams a year through-out all the different leagues offered.

SZ: Are there tournament sponsors? I know that you talked about Stanford donating their tennis courts. 

SN: We pay Stanford for the use of the courts that they rent to us but they are extremely welcoming and easy to work with. Dick Gould is the Sports Director there he’s very open to having the tournament. Sports Basement is a sponsor. Over the years we’ve had airline sponsors and they’ve given us free round trip tickets to raffle. Mainly what we receive from sponsors are items we can raffle off to generate some money to donate to a charity.

SZ: What’s your favorite part of being involved in the tournament. 

SN: I love everything even getting up early to fill the water buckets and dragging them out to the courts. What I like the most is seeing my friends who don’t live in the bay area  but who come and play in the tournament. For four days I’m enclosed in this bubble of gay tennis. There’s a community feel and I feel good about the whole environment  the intensity, the fun, mixed with seeing old friends, meeting new people, having a sense of being together in this fun, crazy, community of gay tennis.

Steve thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk about the upcoming USGO tennis tournament at Stanford. 

*Featured guests are not former nor current clients of Susan Zaro

*This article can also be read @ 
http://www.examiner.com/article/united-states-gay-open

Alexis Levi - Sports for Life

Sports for Life is a non-profit 501(3)-c organization formed to bring public awareness, education and community empowerment to combat Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Alexis Levi co-chairperson of Sports for Life wears many important hats, including mother, registered nurse, entrepreneur, and former athlete; she is proud to be the first African American woman to own a professional basketball team, the Las Vegas Stars. Alexis’s goal is to raise awareness in the athletic area as well as to educate every athlete to the signs and symptoms of HCM.  The Sports for Life Mission: To provide a high profile avenue for coaches, students and parents to learn about the signs and symptoms of HCM the leading cause of Sudden Cardiac Arrest among athletes and children. 

SZ:  In layman’s terms define Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). 

AL: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the leading cause of sudden death or cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes. HCM is a disorder that causes the heart muscle to become thick. The thickening makes it harder for blood to leave the heart, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood. HCM is frequently asymptomatic until SCD. Prevention requires screening. Screening by medical history and physical exam are ineffective. HCM is detected with 80% accuracy by echocardiograms, combined with pre-screening by electrocardiograms (ECG’s). 

SZ: What percentage of the youth athletic population in the United States is affected by this condition? 

AL: It varies. In the last few years the incidences of HCM have risen. I was doing some research the other day and discovered that at the end of January 2012 there had been ten deaths from HCM that were noted. It seems to be increasing. What we are trying to do at Sports for Life is to hone in on the kids from second grade at ten years old and then follow their health into high school. While younger kids are likely to have a more severe form of HCM the condition is seen in people of all ages. HCM is generally regarded as the most common cause of SDC in athletes. 

SZ: What are the most common symptoms that parents, athletes, and coaches need to be aware of regarding this condition? 

AL: Shortness of breath, dizziness, the athlete was exerting him/herself at a regular rate and becomes more fatigued than usual. Those are common symptoms and those symptoms can be created by many things. So a lot of the time the coaches, parents and  kids don’t recognize the symptoms to be tied to something wrong with their heart. There is an assessment form that can be downloaded through the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA). 

SZ: Are the symptoms significant enough that they would prompt the child to say to their parent that, “It’s not just that I’ve run really hard but it feels like I am exerting myself and getting light-headed.”

AL: Light-headed and dizziness seem to be symptoms that are talked about because the blood is not getting to the heart. Younger kids just don’t really know how to add that up. I have a friend whose son just passed away not too long ago and that’s what kind of pushed me into hyper gear to begin working on this education for athletes, parents and coaches. We’ve put together a great board of people and I’ve been talking to a lot of ex-pro athletes as well as pro athletes. These people are coming on board to for us because sometimes awareness only comes when you know people that have the media’s attention are saying something. 

SZ: Is this disorder age related?

AL:  There are two different points of view. In some instances it’s said that it’s age related and they are seeing more incidences in high school. But when you begin doing research then you notice it is happening in younger children. There isn’t yet a registry for reporting this death. A group of us are trying to start a registry. But there is no real registry that says these are all the kids struck down by HCM. There are estimations. 

I was talking to people at Parent Heart Watch and they told me that most of the time when HCM is reported if it’s not reported by a physician in a hospital or a Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) then it usually doesn’t show up. If it’s reported in a camp or summer camp those numbers don’t necessarily show up as having passed from this disorder. 

SZ: Which organizations are conducting studies or following studies of this disorder?

AL: The one that I’ve seen that has the most in-depth research is the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA). We use their questionnaire for the kids we work with. HCMA participates on the legislative side of things. They are trying to get legislation passed that every athlete that plays an organized sport whether it’s in a high school or an athletic association would also have to be tested to participate.  HCMA is working at the legislative level along with the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA). Our organization SFL on the other hand is more focused on the grass roots level. One of the things that we are doing that’s different from other organizations is we are trying to get face to face with the kids - athletes. SFL is focusing solely on the athletic population because of my background and the folks we have on our board it is a natural fit for us. 

SZ: What events prompted you to take up the call to educate, parents, athletes and coaches about this condition?

AL: A few things happened. I own a basketball team  Las Vegas Stars and had received quite a bit of publicity and made a lot of relationships in the sports world. It happened that when I became aware of HMC a few people had sent me some articles and prompted me to take a look at this issue. Coinciding with this Good Morning America did a big story on the subject. That prompted the sports community to take a look at this issue. I already had an organization along with an associate of mine called Sports for Life.  One of the things we found is that there were many people who thought this outreach needed to be done. What really prompted me to take more steps forward to put together this program was I met Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association. When we met she told me things that were happening on the legislative side and what the challenges are. Our fights are different but similar. She’s fighting on the legislative side and I’m fighting to get into schools and to get coaches to recognize that they need to know more about this condition, as well as get information to parents and athletes. 

SZ: Are there medications for this condition?

AL: There are medications. This link at the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association will offer readers information regarding current drug medications that are given when a person has some or all the symptoms of HCM.

SZ: Do you have any favorite tips, quotes or stories that guide you on your path to educate people about HCM?

AL: The guiding light for me if you will, is that kids deserve to live. They deserve to live in a way where they aren’t afraid. I would love for the sport community to embrace this cause.

Alexis thank you for taking the time to chat with me about HCM and your programs effort to bring awareness to this condition.

Alexis Levi can be contacted at  http://www.wix.com/alseg1/alexislevi

sportsforlifeintl@gmail.com

702.517.9990

*Featured guests are not current nor former clients of Susan Zaro
*This article can also be read @ www.examiner.com

Susan Wright - Senior Tennis Star

Susan Mehmedbasich-Wright grew up in Nor. Cal. and began playing competitive tennis at eight years old. During her junior competitive years she was consistently highly ranked both in Nor. Cal. and nationally. At seventeen years old she turned professional and competed on the Women’s Professional Tennis Tour (WTA). At nineteen years old she decided to quit the professional tour and tennis altogether. Twenty-five years after leaving the sport she began to play and compete again. She started back playing some state tournaments in Colorado where she now resides with her husband. Since refocusing on tennis this time as a senior player Wright has won more than 50 U.S.T. A. senior championship titles in singles and doubles.

In 2011, she was a member of the winning U.S.A. Bueno Cup W/50’s, and this year was a team member for the U.S.A. on the winning Maureen Connolly Cup W/55’s played in San Diego in February. Wright won the “Gold Slam” in 2007, and 2008 winning all four national doubles championships in a calendar year. Wright was ITF World Doubles Champion in 2005, 2009 and 2012. She finished 2011 ranked second in the United States in singles winning two national singles tournaments. She is currently ranked number seven in the world in women’s 55’s.

SZ: What were the events that brought you back to the competitive arena?

SW: I moved from California to Grand Junction, Colorado. My dad lived there and I didn’t know a soul when I moved except for my dad and his wife. When my dad invited me to come and hit with him it was a natural way to spend time together.

SZ: It was a way to acclimate to the community and meet new people?

SW: Yeh. I didn’t know a soul in Colorado when I moved there. I moved in November and began hitting with my dad. In April there was a tournament about 300 miles away from where I was living but I didn’t know it was that far away. My dad was going to play in it so I entered it as well. I drove myself and I began to think to myself that I was driving to another state because it took me five hours to get to the tournament.

SZ: Was it physically challenging after putting tennis aside for twenty-five years to begin running around on the court again?

SW: I began playing people at whatever level I began at and it was hard. I don’t have a specific memory but people say when they come to Colorado with the thin air and altitude it’s a little harder to breathe. But I got back into tennis slowly. It wasn’t like I went from not playing very much to a high tournament level.

SZ: A year after restarting tournaments you played the National Hardcourts at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.

SW: I couldn’t really walk for about a week after I played that tournament.

SZ: You put a lot of effort into it?

SW: I played a match against the first seed in the quarter-finals and lost 6-3, 7-5 which surprised me. Although the opponent I lost to didn’t win the tournament. I went into the back draw and lost in the first round. I remember that night I couldn’t put the sheet over my toes they hurt so much. My feet were just throbbing. All my toes, the toe nails everything was just throbbing. At first I didn’t put the two together I didn’t know it was because of playing the matches. I just thought this was really odd.

SZ: You didn’t make the connection between your playing and your body's pain.

SW: It was really bad. I had driven from Colorado and when I got out of my car after driving home it was about ten days before I could function again.

SZ: How long did it take for you to know you were going to remain in senior tennis and at what point did you discover you enjoy playing?

SW: I don’t really know that there was a point. The first year back playing I played some tournaments in Colorado. I played a few national tournaments and the following year I only played tournaments in Colorado again.

SZ: What age group were you playing in?

SW: It was my first year in the W45’s. I played a category two national tournament in Marin, CA. and my husband came along so we played mixed doubles. I won the singles. I wasn’t in great playing shape so it was tough in that I couldn’t put the ball away. In the finals I thought I was going to die because I was running all over the court and my legs were tired and I was out of breath. But I won.

SZ: But you didn’t quit.

SW: No, I didn’t quit.

SZ: A lot of people would have given up. But you have a stick-to-it-ive-ness.

SW: You mean during the match, or quit tennis afterwards?

SZ: Many people would have gone “this is too much work.” But you have this wonderful stick-to-it-ive-ness.

SW: I was hanging in there. Because of that tournament win I was chosen to play on the Margaret Court Cup Team for the W/45’s. I kept playing national tournaments and began playing better and getting physically back into it. That was kind of the beginning. I was married on a Saturday in 2003, and left on Wednesday for the Margaret Court Cup in Germany. Becoming a member of the Cup Team was a pivotal point because now I was competing with the big girls (world players). I was beginning to meet people and was reaching the semis and finals of tournaments. In 2003 at the Indoors my doubles partner at the time Phyllis Zilm from Colorado and I won the tournament and that was my first gold ball as an adult.

SZ: For ten consecutive years you’ve been selected to the International Tennis Federation Seniors World Team Championship representing team United States. What the best part of competing for the United States?

SW: It’s really cool when everyone is wearing their uniform it’s kinda like the Senior Olympics. We all work together as a team. The Cup is probably my favorite part of playing now.

SZ: Does participating as a member of a team have unique challenges different from competing as an individual?

SW: I enjoy that my team members are on the side-lines watching and pulling for me. Team members also serve as coaches. They can talk with you during change-overs. Sometimes they offer advice. Sometimes we chat about whatever. It’s just really fun.

SZ: You experience the team as all benefits.

SW: Yes. You’ve got people on the side-lines when you are playing and if you need ice, a towel, a banana the coach is running around providing whatever the player requests. 2005 was the first year that I played singles on a Cup Team and then I played in The Worlds which is an individual tournament the following week. It was a huge let down afterwards. After my first experience of competing with team members then returning to compete as an individual it was hard. One reason it was hard was because I was completely exhausted from The Cup Tournament. I hadn’t played two tournaments back to back since competing on the pro circuit. I had played five days in a row then to try and compete again at that high level the following week, I was mentally and physically exhausted.

That was 2005 and in 2006 it was a similar experience. I remember beating a player in three sets that I had beaten the week before during the Cup Matches. We were in South Africa playing on clay. At the end of the match there were about forty stairs I had to walk up from the court. I looked at the stairs and I put my tennis stuff down and almost began crying. I thought my legs would not get me up those stairs. I sat at the bottom of those stairs for about thirty minutes.

SZ: Had you experienced that level of physical fatigue as a junior player?

SW: No, that’s what I remember because I played all the time. I began playing at eight and there was no time to get out of shape. The last five years of competing have been easier for me because my play and physical conditioning have picked up.

SZ: As a junior player you played in multiple age groups and women’s tournaments occasionally at the same time. You can be described as having “heightened court sense.” Do you think this instinctual ability developed through the early coaching you received or through the variety and volume of matches you played in your junior years?

SW: It’s probably a little bit of a lot of things. A lot of people who play no matter how much they are coached their ability only takes them so far. There were lots of kids growing up that were good but in their heads they couldn’t do it. I think it’s a bunch of factors and you’ve go to have several of them to succeed. When I play father/daughter tournaments I can identify some components that will distinguish teams that are successful.

SZ: What are the components?

SW: Experience, physical mobility, age, physical ability - (shot production), chemistry between the father/daughter. Do they build each other up with their on court communication? Or do they become angry at each other or themselves? There is an intuitive sense I have for the court. When there is a space to hit into whether I am playing singles or doubles I just feel it.

SZ: You can tell if an opponent doesn’t have this intuition on the court. When you watch a match you can tell if the players aren’t clued in by the way they are handling the court.

SW: Players learn a lot of things when they are young. I played at least fifteen tournaments a year all through the juniors and into the pro’s.

SZ: In what ways had the game changed when you returned after twenty-five years that has made playing more fun or interesting for you physically, technically, mentally?

SW: The game today is just faster. Everyone is stronger, taller, fitter at least in the professional arena. We never went to the gym. All the gym work is making players faster and stronger.

SZ: Do you have a work-out program you do with a trainer?

SW: For ten years I went to the gym and just did a little bit. Everyone laughs at me, even my non playing friends. They would say, “ Are you kidding? That’s all you can do?” I used to think a trainer just sat there and counted reps or motivated you to go to the gym. Recently I hired a trainer and I’m giving it a good go this year to see how much stronger I can become.

SZ: How is working with a trainer going?

SW: It’s been fun. I didn’t think I would like going to the gym. The trainer makes these little programs for me that I do with him. I came home from the clay courts this year and I wasn’t really as tired as I have been.

SZ: Of the current top 20 WTA professional players pick one that you would love to play and why.

SW: Maria Sharapova. I would love to hit with her because we could hit the cover off the ball with each other. Have a slug fest. It would be really fun.

SZ: Which tournament win in recent years has had the most meaning to you and why?

SW: The Cup in New Zealand a year ago. We were there during the 6.3 earthquake. There were three different sites and we were not at the epicenter of the earthquake but we were walking down the street when the earthquake hit. Winning the Cup in New Zealand made the whole trip interesting and meaningful.

SZ: How many weeks out of the year are you traveling as you prepare and play?

SW: Last year I was away about 12-14 weeks. My next event is May 18th, the Chicago Indoors.

SZ: You are in business as a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant and now sales director. How do you juggle playing the schedule you keep and your business career?

SW: There are not sales quotas at Mary Kay. It’s up to me to grow and sustain my business. There are no “have to’s.”

SZ: The job allows for flexibility.

SW: A lot of player’s are now using Mary Kay Cosmetic products. I bring product with me every where I go. Most player's know I am a consultant and if they show interest I connect with them at tournaments. Everyone needs sunscreen.

SZ: Do you find there is carry over in discipline/organization of work and playing?

SW: I’ve become much more organized in the last 7/8 years. Otherwise I couldn’t do what I am doing. I am away for a month playing then home for 2-3 weeks then leave again. The new technologies help. I have an I-phone that keeps me more organized.

SZ: Do you have any favorite quotes, tips, stories that have guided you on your senior tennis journey?

SW: I try to maintain a positive outlook on life. It all depends on how you look at things. On the court I just play each point. When I play each point I don’t have to pay so much attention to the score.

SZ: It keeps you focused.

SW: It’s been fun. Tennis has kept me healthy and strong.

Susan thanks so much for taking time out of your busy life to chat about your tennis playing days in the seniors


*Featured guests are not former nor current clients of Susan Zaro
*This article can also be read @www.examiner.com