Guest Speaker Spotlight: Life Lessons Beyond the Court (February & March Highlights)

At AYTEF, we say it all the time—tennis is just the beginning. And thanks to our new Monthly Guest Speaker series, our players are discovering how the skills they build on the court show up in all kinds of unexpected places.

In February, we had the awesome opportunity to learn from Van Dinh, a film producer who knows all about thinking on his feet. Van shared how he handles problems on set—like when something doesn’t go as planned, and there’s no time to panic. Instead, he quickly figures out what resources he has, who can help, and what’s the best next move.

Our students had fun making connections between the fast-paced world of filmmaking and the quick thinking they need during a tough match. Van really drove home the idea that things won’t always go perfectly—and that’s okay. What matters is how you respond. It was such a great lesson in staying sharp, adapting quickly, and using what you’ve got to move forward.

March brought a whole different kind of energy—peaceful, calming, and so much fun! Akilah from Freedom Youth Yoga led a mindfulness and yoga session that had our students totally engaged from start to finish.

They practiced deep breathing, simple yoga poses, and even learned how to quiet their minds. One of the coolest parts? Nobody wanted it to end! When it was time to move on to tennis, a few students asked if we could keep going with yoga instead. That’s how much they enjoyed it.

They learned how breathing can calm the body and bring focus—something they can use during a match, at school, or anytime they feel overwhelmed. It was a perfect reminder that strength isn’t just about muscles—it’s about mindset too.

We’re so grateful to both Van and Freedom Youth Yoga for giving their time and energy to our students. These sessions are more than just guest talks—they’re real-life lessons our players can carry with them long after they leave the court.

Can’t wait to see who’s coming next!