Ace of the Court: Treat Huey's Triumphant Return to Wimbledon

Treat Huey, a former professional tennis player and University of Virginia graduate, is making a remarkable comeback at Wimbledon this week. After a successful career on the pro tour, Huey has transitioned into coaching, sharing his expertise with the next generation of tennis stars at UVA and the university's Nike tennis camp.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Tennis Greats

Mentoring the Future Stars

Treat Huey's journey from professional player to assistant coach for the UVA men's tennis team has been a remarkable one. After a 13-14 year career on the pro tour, where he competed in the biggest tournaments and achieved impressive results, Huey has now dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of tennis talent. As a coach at the UVA Nike tennis camp, Huey relishes the opportunity to hit the courts with the young campers and share his wealth of experience."It's fun to get out there and hit some with some of the kids that kinda know that I was a decent player," Huey expressed. "They really think it's amazing, so I enjoy to hit with them and have them enjoy that experience, for sure."The campers are in awe of Huey's accomplishments, and the chance to learn from a former professional player is a truly unique and inspiring experience. Huey's passion for the sport and his desire to pass on his knowledge to the next generation is palpable, and it's clear that the campers are benefiting immensely from his guidance.

Carrying on the UVA Legacy

Huey's presence at the UVA Nike tennis camp is particularly significant, as the university has a rich history of producing exceptional tennis players. This year, the camp has an added layer of excitement with the success of current UVA players, Emma Navarro and Danielle Collins, at Wimbledon."Obviously with having Emma Navarro and Danielle Collins going quite far in the tournament this year, especially Emma going into the quarterfinals, it's super exciting for all of us," said Carlos Benatzky, an assistant coach for the UVA women's tennis team and a fellow coach at the Nike camp. "And I think it's a little bit of extra motivation for the kids for sure."The UVA connection and the presence of Huey, a former Cavalier himself, create a sense of pride and inspiration for the young campers. They can see the potential for greatness within their own ranks, and Huey's guidance and mentorship serve as a testament to the university's ability to cultivate world-class tennis talent.

Fostering Optimism and Ambition

As Huey attends Wimbledon as a member of the prestigious "Last Eight Club," an elite group of former players at the tournament, the campers are reminded of the heights they can reach. Benatzky emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimism and ambition, even in the face of the daunting challenge of playing at Wimbledon."Coming to Wimbledon or playing at Wimbledon is it's definitely quite a feat," Benatzky acknowledged. "But you definitely have to keep your your optimism."Huey's own journey, from a young player with dreams of competing at the highest level to a successful professional and now a respected coach, serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of one's goals. The campers at the UVA Nike tennis camp are not only learning the technical aspects of the game but also the invaluable lessons of perseverance, resilience, and the power of following one's passion.As Huey continues to inspire and guide the next generation of tennis stars, his impact on the sport extends far beyond the court. He is a living testament to the transformative power of mentorship and the enduring legacy of the University of Virginia's tennis program.