— from Orcas Tennis Association —
Jill and Taj after the final match
It started as a motivation.
Taj Howe started playing tennis when he was 12 years old. Tony, his father, spent many hours on the court with his athletic son teaching him tennis and sharing his love of the game. As an exceptional student, musician, athlete, Taj’s other interests took center court.
Fast forward 5 years, December 2013 (excellent tennis weather on Orcas!) Taj meets his new tennis coach Jill Dann, and they make a goal – play in the Lopez Open Tennis Tournament August 1,2,3. It would be Taj’s first tournament. The goal was fun competition, and to do their personal best.
On the first, they defeated all 5 teams! Which earned them a spot in the semi-finals. They won the semis handily, 7-5, 6-1, and made it to the finals. On a hot August afternoon they won their first tournament together 7-5, 6-4.
Taj played his personal best, and they won a very close match. Taj says, “whether I’m competing in sailing, tennis or music, the most important thing is to give it your all and have fun.” That winning philosophy obviously paid off.
Dann said, “playing with Taj in the Lopez tournament was one of the most enjoyable competitive experiences I’ve ever had. Entering a tournament with a student is extremely rewarding.”
Jill Dann has been teaching tennis at the Buck Park tennis courts for a couple of years now, and she is hopeful that tennis continues to grow on the Island.
