I recently heard a very inspirational story at the USTA Texas semi-annual meeting. It came during a presentation from the Laredo Community Tennis Association (CTA). Lately I have been trying to understand and categorize all the functions that USTA CTAs serve to the larger organization. This is one of the more niche examples I have run across.
I Just Can’t Read My Own Mind: Overcoming the Adversities of Life after Stroke: A Play-by-Play is a personal account of stroke recovery. It describes how Bill Hrncir suffered that life changing event in the prime of his life. His story traverses a rocky road and is one of personal perseverance and triumph. In addition to his own dedication, he had a lot of great support along the way.
By all rights, Hrncir arguably should have died from the stroke he suffered while out on a morning run. Fortunately, because his daughter had a dance competition in Sequin, he was on a trail in Austin that attracted a lot more foot traffic than his normal route in Laredo. Additionally, that location also placed him in close proximity to one of the preeminent stroke treatment centers in the United States. Luck shined on him in what was undoubtedly one of the most unfortunate times of his life.
There was no support group for people recovering from strokes in Laredo, so Hrncir founded one. This is where tennis comes into the story. His support group partnered with the Laredo Tennis Association on an adaptive tennis program for stroke survivors. Among the many health benefits of tennis, the brain body connection is particularly important when recovering motor skills after a stroke.
The “Stroke Survivors Tennis Club” offers bi-weekly free tennis classes. Trained adaptive coaches provide personalized lesson plans modified to the unique needs of each player. The program encourages stroke survivors to pursue challenging goals in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.
I Just Can’t Read My Own Mind: Overcoming the Adversities of Life after Stroke: A Play-by-Play is great for anyone whose life has been impacted by a stroke. It is also a powerful testimonial on the need for support groups and adaptive tennis programs. It is the kind of book that makes you want to get involved and take action.
Tennis needs more of this.
 | I Just Can’t Read My Own Mind: Overcoming the Adversities of Life after Stroke: A Play-by-Play |
More information on the Laredo Tennis Association “Stroke Survivors Tennis Club” can be found on their website: https://laredotennis.org/adaptive-tennis/
