Dunlop Camp at IMG

Mark had an amazing opportunity this fall to spend a week at a world famous tennis academy in Florida called IMG Academy. Dunlop is the main sponsor of the academy and so they have a special privilege to host a tennis camp for the Dunlop junior players. Mark was one of the lucky ones who got invited to go and train with some of the Dunlop coaches and junior players from all over the world. They usually have one in Europe for the European juniors and then one in the US for everyone else.

He and I flew to Sarasota, FL with Connor, his friend who also was invited as a Dunlop player.

 I was the designated adult to make sure the boys make it to their dorms and get registered before they are left alone for a week. It was pouring rain on the day that I had to drop them off so they got kind of soaked! 

At the campus store and wherever they went, people kept asking if they were brothers! It was funny! 

After I made sure the boys are set and found their dorm, I left them to have a pleasant two day vacation of my own. I stayed an extra day in the area to chill, take beach walks and watch the boys for just a bit. 

All expenses were paid for Mark--all the training, food and lodging. It was FUN! Mark said that they trained hard, but it was not too different from what they do at his usual place with Cameron. 

We got to talk to Mark every day. It was fun for him to stay a week away from home and be independent.

I also took the time to walk around campus and see this Hall of Fame and read about Nick Nollietieri, the founder of the academy, who passed away not too long ago. He was the one who trained Sharapova and Agassi. 

A few of the famous IMG graduates right here. 

And Nick Bollettieri statue with the draws poster of Eddie Herr tournament from the previous year. IMG academy hosts Eddie Herr tournament during Thanksgiving time each year. In the upcoming 2024 year they will change the name of the tournament to the IMG Academy International Tennis Championships. We'll see...maybe Mark will be able to get into it next year. 

I stopped by campus the following day just to check up on the boys. Snapped this picture to show that they are still doing well. 

Love all these Dunlop bags! 

I spent a lot of time outside, enjoying the peace and quiet on the beach. 

 And then I flew home. 

A few days later, Connor’s mom came to Florida. 

On the last day of training, she was able to snap a few pictures of the boys. 

Here they are taking a ride back from the courts to the dorms. It's like a shuttle and you can hop on and hop off if you are lucky...it's a bit of a walk especially after your legs feel like noodles after practice. 

Here is a group pictures of these kids. All of them are sponsored by Dunlop--all from non-European region. Mark said they even had kids from Japan. 

Mark, the Dunlop player. 

Dunlop did take good care of Mark and made him feel super special by offering him a contract with so much free stuff, plus this camp. This will definitely be something he will always remember!

 

Lyana.