Day 35

4th February 2009.

M doesn't walk with me on Wednesdays as it's a very long day..... After a big day at school, including an afternoon of swimming, M has a hit with her favourite coach - Craig. A year or two ago M had group lessons with Craig and they used to clash..big time. I was even called into the office to discuss her behaviour and their personality clashes at one point. Then at the beginning of last year, when she no longer had Craig as her coach she was ready to give up tennis. Craig rescued her. Pulled her out of her slump and arranged his schedule to fit her in, so that she didn't throw in the towel. Now a year later he is mentoring her, and offering support where he can. He pushes her, because he knows she's capable. He is enjoying working with "elite juniors" and you can tell he has a soft spot for her. After a recent chat about where M is and where she'd like to be in six months time he agreed to match her effort 100% and if she slacks off..he will too. Thank you Craig!!! (This was a tough picture to take. I used my night setting and took a bunch of photos that kept focussing on the fence between us and Craig...thankfully this one is pretty good and Craig is the focus - not the fence!)