Last Wednesday, I attended the Rose Café Series talk given by Silviu Tanasoiu, Savitt-Weiss Head Coach of Men’s Tennis. It was clear from the way that Coach Tanasoiu spoke, just how much passion he has for the game of tennis and the men’s team here at Cornell. I was humbled by the sacrifices that he and his family made to advance his tennis career. So often do we forget the efforts of those around us who offer their support and give so readily with only the expectation of our own personal achievement, and ask for nothing else in return.

Although I am not a student athlete at Cornell, there were many points that Coach Tanasoiu raised that resonated with me. The first being the notions of intentionality and making effective use of time. I would agree that at any given point in one’s life, time is among the most precious commodities that a person possesses. How we choose to spend our time is so important. Given all of the things that have happened in my life recently and in the world around me, I believe that people tend to get trapped in the idea of how they think others want them to spend their time. At the end of the day, it only matters that you are comfortable with the decisions that you made and how you decided to allocate your time. If what you chose to participate in at the moment was important to you, then it was important.

Another point that I really liked was that of stepping up to every challenge and turning every adversity into a moment of learning. I agree with Coach Tanasoiu that there is very little that is in our control. Being able to take the reins on what we do have a handle on, is what we should strive for and can make all the difference. It is easy to feel stuck, as if one is simply banging their head against the wall. Complaining about obstacles is a lot easier than facing them head on. But, the former will not get a person very far, only the latter will. I can only imagine the tight schedules that the team must follow. It is admirable that they make time for their studies, traveling, and routine practices and matches because we are all human and these are things that come with rehearsal, they are not readily acquired skills.

A third thought that I connected with was that of finding a good fit and giving back. It seems that Coach Tanasoiu and the entire men’s tennis coaching team and support network care very deeply about recruiting players who will thrive at Cornell based on their character, as well as their tennis performance. I think that this is a key lesson to apply to any area of life – sport, work, family, etc. Adding on to the concept of intentionality, is being true to oneself and to the people around you. When all parties can be honest with each other and themselves, it makes it easier for like minds to come together and acknowledge both their similarities and differences to work better as a team. This ties back into being grateful and never taking any opportunities for granted. It sounds like the men’s tennis team also has strong alumni ties. I felt that I learned a great deal even within the one hour that Coach Tanasoiu came to speak about the team and the life lessons that the game of tennis has taught him. I am sure that being on the team provides countless invaluable life lessons for which members are grateful for.

Coach Tanasoiu continues to dedicate his time and efforts to inspiring the men on the team better players and better people. It seems that he, himself, is also constantly learning. I can only hope to be in a future profession that is so reciprocal and gratifying. To me, Coach Tanasoiu’s work deserves the highest ranking title.