Carol Magnes, New Jersey Regional Volunteer of the Year
January 25, 2010 08:47 AM
On Jan. 30, USTA will hold its annual awards dinner, recognizing the ways its members have helped promote and develop the growth of tennis. The dinner will be held at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in White Plains. One of the recipients is Carol Magnes of Short Hills, NJ, who will receive a Regional Volunteer of the Year award.
We asked Carol about her experiences in tennis, her interests and her favorite movies.
Carol Magnes, Regional Volunteer of the Year
What is your earliest memory of playing tennis?
My earliest memory of playing tennis was when I went to overnight camp. I never had a lesson and I wasn't very good. I never played again until my oldest son, Jon, was 7. He decided that tennis was more fun than going to Disney World. I decided that I had better get on a tennis court and make it a family affair. He played with me, running me from side to side...I looked so awkward!
In all of your years in the sport, what achievement are you most proud of?
With all the tennis related activities that I've been a part of over the years, what I've enjoyed most is running junior tournaments. As a tournament director, what makes me proudest is the sentiment expressed by numerous players that I am a "straight shooter" and that in my tournaments every player is given an equal and fair opportunity to succeed.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced in tennis, and how did you overcome it?
The most difficult challenge has always been learning how to separate the "parent" in me, when I run a tournament, and the "official" who needs to set boundaries for players, and of course, parents and coaches.
If you could have dinner with any person in history, who would you choose and why?
My father passed away, quite unexpectedly, on December 15, 2009. My father was a wonderful man. I have always enjoyed being with him and most of all, having dinner with him at his favorite restaurant...eating lambchops. I would love to have dinner with my father...one last time.
What movie deserves the award for best picture of all time? Why?
The best picture of all time for me..."Shawshank Redemption." The story was wonderful and so was the acting. Morgan Freeman is the best.