He made an impact on thousands of lives, young and old as a mentor, friend and tennis coach, but now we mourn.
It’s been a few weeks since the passing of my first tennis coach, Coach Wink. Coach Wink was the guy that was always good for a chat, always lifting you up and sharing wisdom. He was a strong advocate for youth, people, their passions and pursuits.
I had an opportunity to see Coach Wink about a month ago. I had no idea it’d be the last time we’d speak. In true fashion, he said, “Let’s Ace It”!, lol, that was Coach Wink. He spoke to you in your language, always finding a way to make you smile and let you know he’s paying attention even if you didn’t realize it. He was a treasure in the tennis community and he will be missed.
So the question this holiday season and into 2023 is how do you make a bigger impact? How will you ACE it?
Here a few simple tips as modeled by Coach Wink:
- Aim High – The bigger your vision, the better. Coach Wink had a clear AIM. His mission was to build up youth in character through the game of tennis. He did that. On and off the court, Coach was teaching lessons and building up youth. You saw this through the mantras he’d teach on the court as well as his annual youth trip to the US Open. Coach Wink aimed high by putting all of his attention and energy into his kids and so his legacy, through their lives and that of his youth foundation lives on. The best way to make a bigger impact is by setting high goals and working every day to achieve what you set out to do.
- Effect Change – You can effect change in your work and service to others. Coach Wink was about service. He served through his work and he served in the way he worked. There’s a difference. Coach’s passing was a lot to process. I’ve read so many reflections from others, many from the young people whose lives he touched, and they all tell a similar story of how Coach Wink changed their lives by introducing them and teaching them a sport that helped them navigate life. Coach Wink used his talents to cultivate skills and in doing so impacted many lives on and off the court, adults and youth alike. Ask anyone in the Atlanta tennis community about Coach Wink, what he shared and what he taught them. The times we had at McGhee Tennis Center and Washington Park are unmatched (no pun intended).
- Use Your Passion to Excel – Are you using your passion to excel? When you have strong conviction and motivation, it inspires you to do and be more. Coach Wink loved the game of tennis so he pursued his passion by teaching adults like myself and youth the foundational skills of the game. Along the way he shared his many pearls of wisdom on navigating the court and life. When you think of Coach Wink, you immediately connect tennis and youth. That’s the legacy he leaves and it will long be remembered. Coach Wink excelled at tennis and he excelled in life. We are eternally grateful.
Have more impact!