DD&J THE VIEW

DD&J is more than a tennis program. We are a family of players, parents, coaches, volunteers, Board members, and supporters who come together to create opportunities for our young people.

Beginning with this issue of The View, we will use our DD&J Spotlight to recognize members of our family who go the extra mile.

And for our first Spotlight, we couldn't choose just one!

Stepping Up for Junior Team Tennis

A big DD&J thank-you goes to Natasja Simons, mother of Ava Simons, and Ginny Warren, mother of Ellis Warren, for stepping up to help make it possible for DD&J to have a 12U Junior Team Tennis team this Fall.

JTT gives our players an opportunity to take the skills they learn in clinics and apply them in actual match play. But teams don't happen without parents and volunteers who are willing to give their time and help make it work.

When DD&J needed help, Natasja and Ginny answered the call.

Thank you, ladies, for stepping up for our players and for DD&J!

You are a wonderful example of how parent involvement makes our program stronger.

We are equally proud of our junior assistants, Nyairie Boulware and Elijah Bryan, who supported the coaches and participants throughout the summer. Their willingness to serve, lead, and encourage younger players reflects the leadership development that DD&J strives to promote through tennis.

A Young Fundraiser With a Big Heart

We are especially proud to recognize one of our own Junior Team Tennis players, Alexander “AJ” McCall, who decided that he wanted to do his part to help DD&J get to New York. AJ went to work selling snacks to raise money for the US Open trip! What makes this so special isn't simply the amount of money raised. It is that one of our young players understood that this opportunity required everyone's help—and he found a way that he could contribute.

That's initiative.

That's responsibility.

And that's the kind of character we hope to develop through DD&J. AJ showed us that you don't have to be an adult to make a difference. Sometimes a young person with an idea, a box of snacks, and determination can teach the rest of us something about giving back!

Way to go, AJ!

We are proud of you—not only for the player you are becoming, but for the young man you are becoming.

Board Chair • Former JTT Captain • Parent • Trip Leader

We have to give another BIG SHOUT OUT to Carl Lebby!

Taking 26 members of the DD&J family to New York for the US Open was a major undertaking—and Carl helped turn the idea into a successful reality.

From the planning stages through fundraising, travel arrangements, schedules, communication, coordinating families, and the countless details involved in moving a group of children and adults to New York and back home, Carl devoted an extraordinary amount of time and energy to making this experience happen. And what an experience it was!

Our juniors had the opportunity to participate in the USTA Kids On Court experience at the US Open, watch professional tennis, experience New York City, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Carl's service to DD&J didn't begin with this trip. He has served our organization in several important roles—as a parent, former Junior Team Tennis Captain, and now Board member. The New York trip was another example of his willingness to roll up his sleeves and do the work necessary to create opportunities for our young people.

Carl, THANK YOU!

Thank you for the hours of planning. Thank you for handling the details. Thank you for working with our parents and players. Thank you for helping lead the fundraising effort.

And most of all, thank you for caring enough about our children to make this experience happen.

The trip was a tremendous success, and your leadership played a major role in making it so.

DD&J appreciates you!

There are so many people who quietly help make DD&J what it is.

In future issues of The View, we'll continue recognizing the players, parents, coaches, volunteers, Board members, alumni, donors, and community supporters who make a difference.

Because at DD&J, sometimes the biggest impact begins with two simple words: “I'll help.”

• DD&J FACEBOOK

• COACH DOMINO FACEBOOK