By: Blake Lee
March 26th 2022
In November of 2021, I had the rare privilege of representing our Jewel in the Junior Pan-American Games hosted in Cali, Colombia. I was granted this opportunity due to my success in claiming victory in the U18 qualifying tournament for 2021, and the fortune of an official tennis wildcard granted by the Olympic committee. The entire trip happened over the course of 11 days, from November 26th to December 7th. I hope to share what I have experienced, and in doing so, expose the lessons I have learned, and offer some humble suggestions for the future of tennis development in our country.
There are certain constants in travel. Despite Covid and the tumultuous global situation, the travel to Colombia presented itself as an enjoyable, but thoroughly frightening affair. Enjoyable, in the sense that a new country and realm of exposition lay at my feet, frightening, in that I was carrying every expectation of a sport and a nation to an international venue. The “enjoyable” portion of the trip is that which is most prevalent, despite my late arrival and empty stomach, Colombia opened its arms to its newest guest and offered what it had in generous proportions. My accommodations were comfortable, facilities well cared for, and all staff and volunteer workers polite and industrious. The area designated for tennis was located in a large country club reserved for the ruling elite of Cali. Complete with pristine views and luxurious facilities, the club was an excellent venue for the exposition of tennis from the western hemisphere. All tennis athletes were bused from their respective hotels to the venue on a daily basis. I traveled to the venue for practice for two days before playing my first match. There is a world of difference between clay and hard courts, and as the venue was purely clay, I found the adjustment to be difficult. Despite intensive practice sessions, the day of my first match introduced a new realm of challenges which upset the delicate balance of my game. Unfortunately, I was thereafter defeated by the representative from Grenada. Despite this failure I determined to make the most of this opportunity. For the remainder of my tenure in Colombia I studied the tactics, organization, and teachings of the various competitors present at the games. Upon the completion of the games, I returned to Belize much more aware of the weaknesses of my own game and the tactics and training which I had employed.
Regardless of the results of the tournament in Colombia the greatest gift I could have ever gained from the trip was a newly found insight. I hope to share the greatest lessons I have learned from this trip in two sections, with the first dedicated to personal development and the second to group development.
On a personal level it is necessary to understand why it is we do what we do. If you do not have motivation or inner-drive you are set adrift without an anchor or an oar to guide you. Understanding that you must want and strive towards a certain goal is the greatest key to overcoming adversity and rising triumphant from defeat. The Colombia affair should stand as a reminder that tennis in Belize is given an international stage and must learn to rise to the top of it. Something else which must be understood is the respective terror invoked by such stages. I do not personally fear crowds or feel any more or less nervous playing on a certain court than another, but it must be stressed that the key to overcoming any anxiety revolving around public representation is found on an individual level. An individual must find the courage and strength within themself to overcome the adversity of doubt and fear which certain venues can evoke. Yet another important note for all tennis players to consider is that, one must have a plan. A plan which details the practical application of oneself to achieving victory. A plan that embodies one’s own skill set and caters to the success of the individual over adversity. These factors combined create the criteria of success which an athlete must strive for in order to succeed.
Group development is, of course, of prime importance. Unlike the other nations at the Pan-American Games, all the wildcard nations brought a single athlete for tennis. However, the nations who did field full teams can serve as an excellent example for learning the key aspects of group development. Every team was led by a single dynamic coach who drilled and knew each student thoroughly. The machine-like precision of every drill reflected the massive quantity of time spent doing these drills. Every team trained professionally in the United States (predominantly Florida) and had been taught by multiple coaches. They each, however, held a special deference to their national team leader who they each respected and understood. Each team member was supported by their group after their defeat, and each was humbled when they won. The healthy group dynamic was largely responsible for each respective nation’s success. A team which did not have a healthy dynamic, such as Brazil, despite having excellent and highly ranked players faltered and under-performed in the tournament. A team with a healthy dynamic, such as Peru, despite poorly ranked players, took the most victories in the tournament. The aspects of respect, individual drive, and consistent training, all contribute to the necessary healthy group dynamic which a team requires for victory.
The events which unfolded in Colombia have been extremely insightful, I have now acquired a unique view of tennis and its development, a view which I hope to share. Accordingly, I will list my recommendations. Every young person aspiring to become a great tennis player must understand two things, and must be explicitly taught and reminded of them: You must want to become a better player, and you must always understand why you want to do so. These are the driving forces behind motivating yourself to play and become great at this sport. Further advice includes: Continually training with those who are better than you, regardless of the temporary defeats, as this will always be an excellent way to motivate yourself and develop your game. You must also maintain a healthy working relationship with your coaches and fellow tennis players, as this the greatest way to achieve a group ethos and a strong sense of group identity. You must remind yourself continually that tennis is a mental sport and one which requires constant dedication, the only true way to understand what tennis is and why it is something that is worth every bit of energy invested in it is to remember the mental aspect of the sport. Recommendations for the broader tennis community include: Increased participation in BTA sponsored events and managerial conferences and meetings. The culture of tennis in Belize is only as strong as the collective will of our people to support our decisions and projects for future development. We must utilize the skills and talent present within our own country before seeking outside assistance. It is absolutely necessary to identify and eliminate the obstacles to further development of our beloved sport. This process is far from comfortable but must be addressed sooner rather than later.
My trip to Colombia was a preview of what is to come for our country. There is greater talent available in the field of tennis than we are yet aware of. If we are to capitalize on our successes we must push through our obstacles and learn to embrace the challenges that have threatened us. I have learned the necessary steps which I must take for my own personal development, but every individual can apply themself to the development of tennis as a whole. Whether this be by attending meetings, sponsoring aspiring tennis players, or contributing towards tournaments, it is a necessity that we rally ourselves to provide for the bright future that tennis in Belize could and should have.