Last weekend, I spent the afternoon out at Canyon Crest Country Club watching the finals of the Wilson Fast 4 Grand Prix. The event was great, everyone had a great time, the tennis was ultra competitive, but it was the stories behind the players that really stood out to me.
One player in particular, 29 year-old Rebecca O’Neill really touched me. Her story is one of challenges, of passion, of determination and of a father’s love for his daughter.
Rebecca is not only autistic but also suffers from epilepsy. Growing up she was bullied, ridiculed and felt left out, and she was cut from just about every sports team she wanted to join. Then one day after getting cut once again, this time from the tennis team, she marched herself down the street to the YMCA, and told them I want to play tennis, I need a coach to teach me. The rest is history….playing and practicing every day and all day, and ultimately playing, and winning tournaments. 
Her father, Jim, sat with me and shared stories of some of the challenges Rebecca faced growing up, and how ultimately her love of tennis has made a huge difference in her life. The first tournament she won meant the world to her, and she hugged her trophy tightly for the entire 45 minute drive home. Tennis has helped her become more confident, more outgoing and much more happy. Tennis gives her something to hang on to, with no real friends, tennis is all she has, it is what drives her, everything she does is about becoming a better tennis player. Jim said simply, “she plays, I drive. I drive her to every event she plays.” When asked about the sacrifices he has made, he says, “I never saw it as a sacrifice to see my child happy, and doing what she loves. I’m so grateful to be able to be there for her and be a part of all this. “
When Rebecca walked off the court after winning the Women’s 4.0 Championships, her 1st stop was her father for a big bear hug, and congratulatory “I love you Buddy” from her biggest fan.