Stardate 05.09.2026
Our tennis captain achieved something rarely done. Three teams are headed to the district championships next month, all while he continues coaching high school tennis in Muscatine.
I’ve watched him lead ever since I began playing at North Dodge Athletic Center after relocating from Southern California. I didn’t know what to expect when I first arrived. I had heard plenty about the winters. I wondered how I would fit in on the courts.
Jim Sichterman never talks about obstacles. He talks about effort, attitude, and showing up ready to work. My teammates carry that same spirit. They have spent the past seasons helping me chip away at the small flaws in my game with patience and encouragement. They understand the 1% better mindset because they practice it every time we step onto the court.
Last week, Jim’s 18+ team won their league against a very strong opponent. I’m no longer on that roster. My schedule only allows enough vacation time to compete in two regional tournaments, so I stepped aside and let the younger players represent in that division. My focus now is on the 40+ and 55+ teams.
This morning I’m headed to cardio tennis at 8:00 a.m., led by a familiar voice in the tennis world, Michael Shires. Every Saturday he brings energy and challenge that stretches all of us. We are in the final month of preparation before facing other league champions from the western part of our state. Several of those teams have qualified for national competition in past years.
That goal sits quietly in the back of our minds.
To win a Midwest Sectional Championship among the top teams and earn a trip to Nationals.
As I think about it, gratitude rises to the surface.
Gratitude for a captain who leads with steady confidence.
Gratitude for a head pro who creates an environment where players of all levels feel welcome.
Gratitude for teammates who treat each other like family.
Scripture came to me as I laced up my shoes this morning:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23
That verse fits the way this group approaches the game. There is heart in every drill, every match, every word of encouragement between points.
Tennis has a way of revealing character. It asks for patience. It asks for focus. It asks you to keep going after mistakes and trust the next shot.
I’m thankful to be part of a tennis family that understands this.
Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
Captain’s Addendum
Bones: “Spock, humans seem to believe improvement comes from hitting a small ball over a net thousands of times.”
Spock: “A logical method, Doctor. Repetition appears to refine both skill and temperament.”
There’s something about returning to the court again and again that shapes more than a forehand. It shapes the way we show up in other parts of life too.
I’m grateful for the people who share that court with me.
May you live long and prosper.
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