Anguilla Tennis Academy Inc.

Profiles of Visiting Coaches

Four generous young men, Tim, Brad, Jason and Murray, from around the world, have several things in common: they attend Gardner-Webb University and play in the tennis program there, they love tennis, and they came to Anguilla to help their friends Mitch, Damien and Shawn with Tennis Camp 98.

They put in 10 intense days of volunteer effort: coaching clinics and playing in exhibition matches. With their help the Tennis Camp was able to use 6 tennis courts at the same time at Malliouhana Hotel and Carimar Beach Club, with only a few children per court and more individual attention and more advanced lessons.


Brad Burgess

DOB 10/14/77
age 20
height 6'1
weight 165
nationality American

Number one in high school for three years. (South Point High) Academic Honor Roll @ Gardner-Webb All academic sports team in SAC Flight champion in doubles in the sac Seeking degree in education (math/science) Can beat Mitch and Damien everytime!!!!!!!!!!!


Murray Wellington

DOB 1st May 78
Home Perth, Australia

Played last two seasons at Gardner-Webb. Obtained a ranking of 19 for the region at the number one spot. Previously played in homeland state team and state league level. Returning back home to that level and looking forward to leaving the college system. All conference two years in a row.


Tim Parker

8/12/76
21
Zimbabwe


Number one a Lomagundi College (High School) 3 years-Zimbabwe. Won 18 and under for Lomagundi District 93,94,95 Played two years for Mashonaland Country Districts and captained both times. Played some damned good exhibition matches for the running bulldogs. Last year was 16-0.

Studying to obtain a degree in electronic publishing and plans to be certified by the usptr and coach tennis.

"It was my first trip to Anguilla and a very pleasant one at that. The children worked well with us and were eager to learn. There is unlimited potential in Anguilla and I would love to see the program flourish even more."


Jason Allen

DOB 7/12/77
Age 21
6'0
165
American
Palatka, Florida


Played the number one position for my high school for 2 yrs. (Palatka High School) Obtained a ranking of 68 in Florida during juniors. Have one various usta sanctioned tennis tournaments; Both junior and adult. Putnam County Tennis champion. Member of the Academic Honor Roll 5 semesters in a row @ Gardner-Webb. Member of the All Academic Sports Team in the SAC 2 years in a row. Accumulative gpa = 3.6 I plan to graduate in the studies of Spanish literature. After my bachelors, I will receive my masters degree and eventually obtain my doctorate in philosophy of Spanish literature. My career aspirations are to be a writer and professor of Spanish at the university level.

"The experience I gained in Anguilla has opened my eyes even wider to the many wonderful people and cultures that exist in this diverse world. I enjoyed the enthusiasm of the children as they expressed their love for the game, along with their well-behaved manners and kindness towards me. I would also like to thank the Anguillan people for their hospitality and reverence. You are truly a wonderful people, and well deserving of the utmost respect. A special thanks to Mitch, Shawn, and Damien for their hardwork and dedication in bringing us to this beautiful island, and also for their commitment to the betterment of mankind."

[1999 Update: Jason returned to Anguilla for the Summer 99 Tenns Camp.]

Message from The Visiting Coaches

"We believe what Mitch, Damien, and Shawn are doing for the Anguillan youth is extra-special and deserves a great deal of gratitude. We are very excited and thankful to be a part of a great event such as this. We also thank the Anguillan residents for their kindness and hospitality and wish their children the best in their growing years."

Article in the Daily Herald.