Deborah-Rose Andrews, Metro Regional Volunteer of the Year
January 26, 2010 05:17 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.
Deborah-Rose Andrews, of Jamaica, NY, will receive a Regional Volunteer of the Year Award.
We asked Deborah-Rose about her experiences in tennis, her interests and her favorite book. Deborah-Rose Andrews, Regional Volunteer of the Year
What is your earliest memory of playing tennis?
My first introduction to tennis was in 1992 at a Club Med “Intro to Tennis” class. I didn’t come back to the sport until 1997 when I signed up for a Tennis 1-2-3 program at the National Tennis Center.
In all of your years in the sport, what achievement are you most proud of?
I'm most proud that I successfully took on the position of Local League Coordinator in Metro. I was hesitant to take on this volunteer position, especially since my regular job requires long hours. It's been hard work and I couldn't have done this without the support and guidance of Darcy Cobb (Manager, Adult Leagues). The Metrotennis CTA (especially Pam Glick and Lou Hernandez) and a great group of level coordinators help me run the league smoothly so 4,000 players can compete in our leagues.
What was the most difficult challenge you faced in tennis, and how did you overcome it?
My most difficult challenges have been trying to come back after serious injury and multiple surgeries. Each time, after a significant time off, I had to start from the beginning and rework my strokes. I was able to overcome these challenges through the help of my good friends who took the time to help me ease back into the game.
If you could have dinner with any person in history, who would you choose and why?
I would love to have dinner with Marian Anderson. Ms. Anderson was a world renowned contralto who broke racial barriers in the US throughout her career. In 1939 the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow Ms. Anderson to sing at Constitution Hall. In response Sol Hurok, Walter White and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (who resigned from the D.A.R. over this injustice) arranged for Ms. Anderson to perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Over 75,000 people attended this concert and millions more listened on the radio!
Marian Anderson received numerous awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Anderson was not combative and tried to avoid controversy, although she did refuse to sing in halls where the audience was segregated. She believed that her mission was to leave behind an impression that would make it easier for those who followed her, and her talent and grace under immense pressure allowed her to succeed.
What was your favorite book of all time? Why?
The book that most impacted me was “Eighth Moon” by Sansan (as told to Bette Lord). My seventh grade history teacher assigned this book to us. It is the true story of a young girl's life in Communist China, from the age of 4 to 17. It made a huge impression on me - how grateful we should be for the opportunities we have and for our personal freedom.