Goals make life worth living....

In the spirit of sharing things that are important to me, my identical twin brother Ettore' and I have accomplished one of our goals, which is becoming #1 in New England in Men's Open Doubles. Three years ago we were #4; 2 years ago #3, last year "life" happened, as Madison, my daughter, was born so we didn't play enough tournaments to receive a ranking.....

But in the same year as the Bryan Brothers (Mike on the left and Bob on the right) earn the world's #1 doubles team and Team USA win the Davis Cup over Russia we earned the top spot. "I couldn't be more proud of not only our accomplishments on court this year but the obstacles off court that we had to overcome to even play in tournaments," stated Angelo. Ettore' works 7 days per week and Angelo teaches tennis close to 50 hours a week so playing tournaments, never mind winning them, is an accomplishment in and of itself. "The tennis-life balance is what is so special here, especially considering that we never have time to practice," added Ettore.

Our last tournament win came Thanksgiving weekend where Angelo was sick but refused to pull out of the draw as the Rossetti Brothers won the final 6-2, 6-4 against the former #1 team from last year (see photo above with Angelo on the left and Ettore' on the right). And when receiving autographed posters from Bob and Mike Bryan stating "To the Rossetti Brothers, You're #1 too!" was extra special.

Life is worth living when you set goals and then surpass them. We hope that this holiday season brings you and your family pleasure and happiness and that the New Year is filled with goals that you will achieve yourselves in 2008.

Suggested Reading:

Raising Your Child To Be A Champion In Athletics, Arts and Academics by Wayne Bryan
The Heart of the Team - Life Lessons on and off the Court by Bill Resler
The Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting by Dan Doyle