The image of Callaway Gardens Resort in Pine Mountain brings to mind rolling hills of beautiful golf courses, spectacular gardens and a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities for those who visit the resort. Maybe not so well known is a two-decade old tradition of hosting an annual event for young tennis athletes. In September the Gardens will once again be the site of the Callaway Gardens Fall Junior Championship. The two-day event draws athletes from Georgia and other area states to the scenic venue for a junior tennis competition.
In The Game High School Sports Magazine asked veteran tennis teacher and the Gardens’ director of tennis, Steve diFeliciantonio, 10 Questions about him, his responsibilities at the nearby resort and the upcoming junior championship.
In The Game: How long have you been at Callaway Gardens?
Steve diFeliciantonio: I arrived at Callaway Gardens in 1988, after working as a tennis teaching professional at Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines, two resorts located on Hilton Head, S.C. I developed much of my teaching and playing acumen on Hilton Head, working alongside tennis notables Rod Laver and Stan Smith. This year marks my 40th year of teaching tennis and my 27th teaching at Callaway Gardens. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to meet and teach so many different players over the years, from beginners and competitive league players to junior and collegiate players. Tennis is an amazing game, and even after all this time, I still I have so much to learn.
ITG: What are your job responsibilities at the Gardens?
Sd: As Callaway Gardens’ Director of Tennis, I am responsible for the daily operation of our tennis center. One major responsibility is to plan and offer tennis instruction and programming for our residential members and resort guests. I also maintain our full-service pro shop and eight, lighted clay tennis courts, as well as conduct several charity and USTA-sanctioned tournaments.
ITG: What is the Callaway Gardens Fall Junior Championship?
Sd: Our Fall Junior Championship gives junior tennis players from Georgia and surrounding states the chance to compete for USTA (United States Tennis Association) state and regional rankings. Most the kids who play are serious about developing their skills, and often aspire to play in college. Any youth no older than 16 can enter; they just need a current USTA membership and a desire to compete. All in all, our tournament presents good competition for relatively experienced players, as well as those match-ready players who are looking to get their first taste of rigorous junior competition.
ITG: How long has the tournament been held at Callaway Gardens?
Sd: We’ve had the tournament here at Callaway Gardens since 1990, so closing in on 25 years. It’s funny, from time to time, I’ll see people who played in one of our events when they were juniors, only now they’re married with kids.
ITG: What ages are eligible to participate?
Sd: We offer six different age groups: boys and girls, ages 12 and under, 14 and under, and 16 and under.
ITG: How many days is the event?
Sd: It’s a two-day event, Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, 2015. Many people arrive on Friday evening, to get some practice in. By mid-Sunday afternoon, usually, the finals have been decided. One of the cool things about our tournament is the consolation draw. Meaning if a player loses their first match, they are not eliminated and are guaranteed at least a second match. All players receive a tournament t-shirt, and winners and runner-ups for each age group receive a trophy.
ITG: Are the athletes local?
Sd: Yes, a number of players from our local area have competed over the years. Some travel from other parts of the state to play, others from out of state. Most players, though, hail from Columbus or Atlanta areas. I’d encourage any local juniors who’ve put in a good amount of practice to sign up, as the tournament’s a great opportunity to compete against other kids working toward a high level of play.
ITG: Can the public attend?
Sd: Yes, we welcome an all spectators at no charge. Of course, there an entry fee for participants.
ITG: Is there a schedule of events posted on the website?
Sd: The event dates are posted on the Callaway Gardens website. A more detailed posting, which includes draw sheets and the schedule of play, can be found on the USTA’s website. We update the draws throughout the course of the tournament.
ITG: In your opinion, what the best thing about hosting an event that highlights young tennis athletes?
Sd: Each time we host a junior tournament, I’m reminded of all the different reasons why competitive tennis is worthwhile. When two kids are out playing a match, the court really becomes a kind of arena that allows for the virtues to be developed and tested against stressful circumstances. Rising to meet challenges, learning how to be a gracious winner or loser, having empathy and respect for your opponent, learning to show appreciation for those supporting you, pushing yourself to keep trying and stay honest, even when you may be physically and mentally exhausted, and especially when you think you’ve been cheated or you’re overmatched. All these are values our kids need to learn so they’ll grow into fulfilling, engaged people. This really is the essence of sport, it’s the development of moral virtue. When two kids compete with integrity and sincerely shakes hands at the conclusion of a match, regardless of the final score, I can’t help but smile.
Personal bio
Name: Stephen “Stevie D” diFeliciantonio
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Education: B.A., Parks and Management, Penn State University
Family: Wife, Christine; two sons, Justin and Nicholas
Job Title: Director of Tennis, Callaway Gardens Resort
Hobbies: Italian language study, fishing, Braves baseball, reading books about history
Person you most admire: After a number of years working with Rod Laver, I came to admire him for his unbelievable work ethic and uninhibited approach to hitting the ball. I also can’t forget Pasquale, my father, who just turned 90 this year. He still has so much enthusiasm for the world, and we all love him.
What is one of the best things about your job at Callaway Gardens: Hitting tennis balls surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, the birds, azaleas blooming in the spring, leaves turning in the fall; Callaway Gardens is a special environment to work in. If you’ve never visited, you will marvel at its beauty and tranquility.
Columbus Valley/10 Questions/June 2015
Steve diFeliciantonio
Callaway Gardens Resort Tennis Pro
By Beth Welch
Photos courtesy of Callaway Gardens Resort
