Nate Walton joins Southern Virginia University's tennis team

Two years ago, when I just moved here, I went to the courts in Rolland Moore to seek out someone to hit with, and I met Nate and his mom at the courts. We were hitting for an hour and after that Nate said quietly "do you think you can be my coach", and I said, "I think I can". Since that day I've seen Nate almost every day, and I didn't know it at the time, but that was also the day that Mathiesen Tennis started and has now turned into the great team we have today.

It has been quite the journey over the last two years with many ups and downs. Nate's biggest strengths are his grit and hard work. His biggest challenge on the court was the mental battle, and there were quite a few dark times with many opportunities to give up. Thankfully, Nates love for tennis and huge amount of grit didn't allow him to go that way. He was always determined to fight through the rough times and overcome the challenges on the way. Finally, this summer in June, Nate had a big breakthrough where he decided that his emotions on the court were no longer going to control him and the way he was playing, HE was going to take control of his emotions. This has allowed him to now truly enjoy the competition side of tennis that he wasn't able to do before, and he has proved it over the summer.

Nate, I'm very happy that we had this breakthrough, that I know you worked so hard for, and I know that this will allow you to see the game much more clearly, progress with your new team, and truly enjoy tennis. I cannot think of anyone who deserves that more than you!

I'm happy to hear that you are thriving on the college and with your new team, and I'm looking forward for you to come and train with us during the summers.

Much love,

David

Nate has been playing good tennis on his new team where he is currently fighting for the 1st or 2nd singles spot. Follow Nates journey with the knights here: https://knightathletics.com/sports/mens-tennis