Photo Credit: Dyne Hong
As the year comes to a close, we wanted to reflect on the incredible individuals who make up our Recreation Community. Meet Dawn, a key player in the UBC Tennis community. We had an opportunity to learn about her journey in discovering the game and the significant impact she’s had in contributing to UBC Recreation. Here’s how it went:
Interview with Dawn
Can you start by telling us how long you’ve been a part of UBC Tennis Programs?
“I started playing tennis, actually, in my mid-forties, so I was a late starter to the game. I reached out to UBC to start lessons so I could learn how to play and compete. That’s when I met JJ—he was my first coach here—and that’s where my journey began. It just evolved from there. I took to it right away. I loved it. It was very different from any sport I had ever played before because it’s all about you, not a team sport. Adding that dynamic to my competitiveness really enhanced, I think, who I am athletically.”
Photo Credit: Dyne Hong
Tell us more about your involvement with UBC Singles League?
“Coming from various backgrounds in different sports—basketball and field hockey, mostly—I’ve always been very involved in my sports. I didn’t feel that connection to the singles league at UBC, but I felt that there really was a community of people here who wanted more, myself included. So, I put together a business proposal for me to take over the running of the league. They took a chance on me and agreed. I started doing that in September of 2014, and I’m happy to say I’m still doing it.”
Describe how Singles League works for those who are unfamiliar?
“The singles league program is for anyone who plays at the 3.0 level or above and is looking to increase their skill and confidence in match play. Every week, you play a match, which is completely different from just going and hitting with your friends. This provides a competitive but fun atmosphere—almost like a safe place to really try to hone that skill, particularly the mental skill of maintaining your achievable level of play within a match environment.”
What is your favorite aspect of running the Singles League?
“It’s a wonderful way to connect and meet people who have the same passions as you—people who are competitive, who enjoy sport, but don’t take it too seriously. We all want to win, of course, but at the end of the day, we all have jobs and lives to go back to.”
Advice to anyone wanting to pick up Tennis who thinks it’s too late in life.
“I should have picked this [tennis] up, like, way years before. If they’re hesitant about starting tennis. I say the same thing I tell my nieces when they tell me they’re scared to do something, do it anyway or do it scared!”
Check out a quick segment from the interview below or our Instagram page:
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Thank you Dawn for being a part of our Community and sharing your experience with us.