Mark Keil, the director/producer of the cult classic “The Journeymen”, and now tennis coach, writes about two very positive tennis foundations.
Brian Vahaly, the former academic and three-time All-American from the University of Virginia, started a foundation in 2003. The main goal of his Brighter Future Foundation is to provide funding and assistance for programs managed by Community Tennis Associations in Georgia. It will provide financial assistance to promising junior competitive players, and each year the Foundation will award a $2,500 scholarship to an outstanding high school senior. For more information, go to www.brianvahaly.com. An Atlanta native and former top 100 player, Vahaly currently is working for UBS Financial.
Levar Harper Griffith, a native of Brooklyn, and former top American junior, has started the Global Tennis Foundation. His goal is also to provide financial assistance to young American’s who need help with training, traveling, and related tournament expenses. His foundation is currently at the fundraising stage, and more information can be sought out at www.globaltennisfoundation.org. Levar is currently trying to keep his professional tennis dreams alive, and will start competing this summer in Futures in Europe. He is coached by Jim Lewis, and is based out of Santa Clarita, California. His goal is to get back into the US Open qualifying by the end of the summer. The twenty six year old says, “I still have gas in the tank, so I am still going to do it. Injuries have kept miles off of me, so I’m ready to compete again.” Two American’s giving back to the game they love. Great to see. Until next week, keep on playing!
