fingerprints do not fade

When my wife was pregnant with our first child and no longer able to be an active tennis coach, she needed my help covering classes at her club for a few months. At the time, I was teaching a full-time schedule six days a week at my own club, we had just moved, it was getting cold outside, and, to top it off, I would have to miss Virginia Tech football! As one can imagine, I was thrilled to cover her lessons!

The last lesson of the day is always the toughest—as your workday is almost over—but this one was exceptionally challenging. It was two beginners: a mother and her high school daughter. They were always late. The daughter never made eye contact and seemed uninterested in being there, despite my best efforts to engage her. She never smiled and I found it difficult to connect with her. But I never gave up … I tried different approaches each week, made jokes, softened the mood, asked her about school, what she liked to do, what music she was into, etc. It was a difficult lesson and secretly I hoped they would cancel so I could go home. Until one day…

After six weeks of pushing through this lesson, the mother pulled me aside. She proceeded to tell me about the dark times her daughter was experiencing both at school and socially. Then she said something that would change me as a coach forever. She said, “Our weekly lesson with you is the only thing my daughter looks forward to in life right now; it is the highlight of her entire week. Even as a beginner, she now wants to try out for the high school tennis team in two months. I’m so thankful that we found this.”

The mother proceeded to thank me over and over again and as the tears welled in my eyes, I was in disbelief. I would never have guessed that our weekly lessons were having THAT type of impact. From my perspective her daughter didn’t even want to be on the court! This will forever be one of the most rewarding moments of my career.

As you approach the ups and downs of the new year, remember that fingerprints do not fade. You may never know the impact you’re making on another person just by being in their presence, by not giving up on them, by offering a kind word, or by encouraging them, or maybe by doing nothing in particular at all. The effect you have on others is bigger than you think. Somewhere, someone is smiling thinking about that funny thing you said on the court, the invite you extended to them to join a lesson, the grace you gave them when they were late to contract time, or how much you inspire and motivate them by how your game has changed.

As we head into 2023, the SGCC Racquets Department wishes you and your family the best in the year ahead. We thank you for your continued support and always remember … Our fingerprints do not fade from the lives we touch. 

VALENTINE'S WINE DINNER

Friday, February 10, 2023 at 6:30 PM Jackets & Reservations Required, $120++

Passed Hors d’Oeuvres

Dona Paula, Rosé

Chilled Lobster & Hearts of Palm Timbale with avocado, baby mixed greens, & champagne tarragon vinaigrette

Dona Paula, Los Cardos, Sauvignon Blanc

Smoked Torchon of Foie Gras with golden apple pearls, figs, brie, & sea salt crouton

Dona Paula, Smoked, Red Blend

Cast Iron Seared Wagyu Eye Round over house made cracked black pepper fettuccine, red wine demi glace, & red pepper coulis

Dona Paula, 1350, Red Blend

Herb Broiled Lamb Chops over sundried tomato whipped cauliflower & zucchini pearls, finished with shallot mint infused demi glace

Dona Paula, Alluvia Parcel, Malbec followed by Martinis, Dessert, & Dancing

Reserve Your Table Online

VALENTINE’S DINNER SPECIALS in

the Dining Room

Available 5:00-9:00 PM

Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14*

*not available Monday, February 13 (Clubhouse Closed)

APPETIZERS

Shrimp Cocktail

Ahi Tuna Tartare

Beef Carpaccio

ENTRÉES

All Entrée Options served with Choice of Smoked Gouda Red Pepper Bisque or Iceberg Wedge Salad

Filet Mignon with Butter Poached Lobster Tail

Char Grilled Veal Chop

Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass

Wild Mushroom Risotto

DESSERT

You Make My Heart Melt chocolate dipped strawberry cheesecake parfait

Love You to the Moon & Back fudge center chocolate mousse, espresso cake, & raspberry macaron

♥ BOOK YOUR TABLE ONLINE OR ON THE APP ♥

CHEF LINDSAY’S VALENTINE’S DESSERTS

C HOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRIES & TRUFFLES OR DERS BY THE DOZEN :

1 DOZEN STRAWBERRIES

1 DOZEN TRUFFLES

6 STRAWBERRIES & 6 TRUFFLES