This is an actual text message between one of my teenage female students and me.
 
She is a good athlete, but is relatively new to tennis. She is on her high school team, which is very competitive. The girls on her team have been playing a long time and are very good.
 
Student: "Kiss all chances of me moving up, goodbye. Just lost to the worst girl on the J.V. (Junior Varsity) team. I might as well quit my lessons. I'm done now."
 
Me: "At least you're not a quitter! Life goes on! Love you!"
 
Student: No, really it is finished! I just lost in District to the worst girl on J.V. I don't have anything left!"
 
Me: "One day at a time. Become more determined."
 
Student: "I don't even know how that happened. It's not worth it anymore. I can't win a match. I lose everything!"
 
Me: "Calm down! Look for the good that can come of this!"
 
Student: "Nothing good can come out of this! I'm terrible! I didn't even get a medal in the J.V. Auxiliary draw. I lose every match I play."
 
Me: "You have to lose before you can win! Everybody goes through this!"
 
Student: "When does it end, because every time is seems like things are getting better, they become much worse!"
 
Me: "Ride the wave."
 
(Right after this, she wins her next match)
 
Student: "4-6, 6-4, 10-8 I gotcha!!
 
(She knows when she sends the text that I'm riding in the MS 150 Houston to Austin bike ride)
 
Student: "Also, don't bike and text. Good luck!"
 
Me: "Thanks"
 
Student: " Your suppose to say "Good Job"."
 
Me: "Needless to say -- Great Job!"
 
It pays to be positive!
 
Good luck on the courts!