Role Reversal
It was a classic case of role reversal for Christina Douglas, a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 2013 and a varsity tennis player for the Generals.
Christina had been taught the game by her mother, Christine, a former University of Virginia tennis player. But last week at the USTA Eastern Adult League Championships in Syracuse, Christina turned coach, helping her mom with pep talks and pointers as she competed for the 4.5 Western Region women’s team in the USTA event, winning two of three doubles matches in the tournament.
“It’s more nerve-racking than playing is to me,” Christina said, after watching her mom on court at Syracuse University. “But it’s great.”
Her mom appreciated the help. “She’s actually the better coach,” said Christine. “She’s got a great disposition and a great attitude and she can see things well.”
After last week’s event the Douglases were off to Chestnut Hill, Ma., and the Longfellow Cricket Club where they formed a doubles team to compete in the USTA National Mother Daughter Grass Court Championships.
“I hope when I’m her age I’ll be as good as she is,” said Christina.
