Ode to Ellen

I am SO proud and excited! My little sister was recruited to play tennis for Adrian College! She also was offered a half-ride scholarship! She has been playing tennis since her freshman year at Onsted Highschool. Before 9th grade, Ellen wasn’t exactly the type you would expect to be recruited to a college for sports. During our year in Kenya, Ellen would play kickball with the boys and could often be spotted in the outfield looking somewhat distracted. Also, being a true phlegmatic personality Ellen is very laid back and seems to prefer lounging and relaxing over any other activity that might require movement. So, we were all a bit surprised when she decided to play tennis her freshman year.

I think tennis is such an elegant sport. I know it can be rough and tough and full of emphatic grunts, but at the same time it almost seems graceful. Tennis players stay on their side of the net. There is no tacking or checking the other players. Instead they almost glide across their half of the court with such strength and agility. The ladies generally wear those cute pleated skirts with polo shirts, while the gentleman usually sport a pair of preppy shorts and a polo shirt too. Consider the method of scoring…15-love. Love is an actual score in tennis…how perfect!

During the past 4 years, Ellen has continued to grow more and more beautiful each day. Her tennis skills have consistently improved and she has developed into a lovely young woman. (not without her share of loud bursts of laughter and silliness!) I think tennis is the ideal sport for such a strong, beautiful and graceful lady.

Congratulations Ellen, we are all SO proud!