Coach Calvin Davis Jr. Scoreboard Dedication FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 1:15 PM CANNON CAMPUS TENNIS COURTS
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Tennis Scoreboard History
early fall 2021, Walt Kennedy ’91 and Justin Starnes ’93 approached Athletic Director Masanori Toguchi about getting a scoreboard for the Cannon Campus Tennis Courts. Walt and Justin both played on championship teams under Coach Davis and have maintained lifelong relationships with him. They wanted to honor Coach Davis for his 30+ year legacy and dedication to Country Day tennis and students. Although tennis scoreboards are currently becoming more common at universities, they are still rare at independent schools. A scoreboard for Charlotte Country Day would elevate our facilities. Walt and Justin worked with the Office of Advancement to send a passionate, personal solicitation to tennis alumni and current tennis families. After securing the funding necessary to purchase and install the scoreboard, the project was taken to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees at the request of Interim Head of School David Mancos. The Executive Committee approved naming the scoreboard after Coach Calvin Davis Jr. in honor and recognition of his dedication and impact on Country Day tennis and students.
Thank You Tennis Scoreboard Donors Mr. and Mrs. John J. Anton Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Baumstein Mr. R. Fairbanks Bourne ’90 and Mrs. Mary W. Bourne Mr. and Mrs. Dinesh Chopra Mr. and Mrs. Brian E. Cone Mr. and Mrs. Sean W. Dieterle Mr. Justin T. Draughn and Mrs. Carver Morrow Draughn ’07 Mr. and Mrs. Chas A. Fagan IV Mr. and Mrs. Samuel E. Farnham Sr. Mr. R. David Haggart and Ms. Nancy Q. Haggart Mr. and Mrs. Grant A. Harbrecht Mr. L. Robert Hobson ’84 and Mrs. Karen Hobson Mr. Andrew Humphreys ’91 Mr. and Mrs. Allen S. Jackson Jr. Mr. Peter M. Kaye ’93 Mr. Walter A. Kennedy IV ’91 and Mrs. Aubrey H. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Sean M. McDonnell Mr. and Mrs. Alec W. B. Petty Ms. Molly M. Quillin ’12 Mr. Stuart R. Sherrill ’92 and Mrs. Cameron F. Sherrill Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery P. Standish Jr. Mr. Justin A. Starnes ’93 and Mrs. Ginny C. Starnes Mr. Charles S. Swanson Jr. ’94 and Mrs. Leighann S. Swanson Mr. and Mrs. Brent A. Torstrick Mr. and Mrs. Joel H. Turner Mr. Hannibal G. Warren Jr. and Mrs. Elizabeth Carver Warren ’78
Recognition through the Years
NEWS & NOTES
CALVIN DAVIS Inducted into the Honorary Alumni Association
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alvin Davis is synonymous with Country Day’s tennis program and its record of success. For his decades of dedication and commitment to shaping student-athletes, he was honored in February as this year’s faculty and staff inductee into the Honorary Alumni Association. In introducing Coach Davis, Head of School Mark Reed said, “Calvin has built a boys’ and girls’ tennis program that is chockful of state championships, all-state player recognitions, college scholarships, and coaching recognitions. But what’s most impactful and meaningful to our school is the role Calvin plays in developing young men and women of honor, in teaching them how to win with humility, and teaching them to be leaders on and off the court.” That role of teacher, mentor, and nurturer came through loud and clear in a video tribute from current and former players, including Tripp Phillips ’95, who
is the associate head men’s tennis coach at UNC-Chapel Hill. Tripp said, “I first met Calvin when I was 13 years old. In a tournament, someone made the comment to my mom, that ‘You will never outgrow Calvin Davis.’ I really had no clue what that meant. But now, years later, I and anyone else who had the privilege of playing for him at Country Day know exactly what that means. “The lessons he taught all of us about hard work, about discipline, about taking pride in what you’re doing, about picking up the guy beside you—all those lessons that helped us win those state titles—are lessons that we took with us for the rest of our lives. As a tennis coach, he’s just amazing. For me, I was incredibly fortunate in my career to play in all the grand slams against the best players in the world, and I can tell you that there’s no chance I could have ever done that if it hadn’t been for my time with Calvin.”
At the Honorary Alumni Association dinner, Calvin told several stories of how the school community supported him and his family through the years. He said, “Country Day is a family and I’ve seen everyone making good things happen here for 26 years. Every day that I come to Country Day, it is my desire to give back to each and every one of you for the outstanding education you gave to my son.”
ABOUT CALVIN DAVIS
Since 1990, Calvin has built a tennis dynasty at Country Day. Over his tenure, the girls’ program has won a total of 14 state championships, while the boys’ program has earned 16 state titles. As coach, mentor, and nurturer of young talent, Calvin has seen more than 80 of his players move on to play at the college level, and three have played on the professional tennis tour. Country Day is not the only organization appreciative of Calvin’s dedication and talent. He has been named Charlotte Observer Coach of the Year four times and one of its Top-10 Coaches of All Time. In February 2016, Calvin was named Member of the Year for North Carolina by the Professional Tennis Registry. He was also named High School Coach of the Year by the USTA North Carolina in 2005. In addition to coaching both varsity teams and serving as tennis program head, Calvin founded and operates TAP Tennis (Tennis Advancement Program), a junior tennis academy held at Country Day’s Cannon Campus.
Calvin Davis with his mother, Naomi Davis, and his wife, Sahsine Davis; (back row) son Calvin Davis III ’99 and his wife, Jalisia; and sister-in-law and brother Stephanie and Eric Davis. Calvin's daughter, Nikki Davis-Green, was also
NEWS & NOTES
SUCCESS For Girls’ Tennis...Again
Country Day Captures Fourth Straight Title By Mike Nuckles, Assistant Director of Athletics
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fter a second straight season of undefeated play against opponents from the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA), Country Day’s girls’ tennis team clinched a fourth consecutive state championship, defeating Cary Academy, 5–1. Buccaneers Head Coach Calvin Davis credits his players for working as a team throughout the season in attempting to achieve their goals. “This win was about the same thing it’s been about all season: unity, working together, pulling together,” Coach Davis said. “We were working hard early in the
confusing. But I think at the end of the day, everyone can see how it worked out.” Coach Davis has led the Bucs’ girls’ program to 14 state championships, in addition to 16 –Coach Davis boys’ state titles. This year’s team finished with a 17-1 record, including a 17-0 mark against NCISAA competition. The Bucs are 69-5 since 2013.
“This win was about the same thing it’s been about all season: unity, working together, pulling together.”
straight titles. The Bucs achieved similar success from 2000 to 2003. However, even that doesn’t match the streak of eight straight titles between 1990 and 1997—the longest streak of state championships for a Country Day team in any sport. The first two titles in that streak came under the guidance of Head Coach Art Abbott, who started Country Day’s program in 1988. Calvin Davis was at the helm for the final six.
Tributes to Coach Calvin Ali Gores Crouch ’05 Calvin, I have so many great memories playing on the CCDS tennis courts, your stories on road trips, and our time at tournaments all over the country. Aside from tennis, I have learned so much about people and life from you. One of my favorite memories was the National Open (circa 2002) at FSU in Tallahassee. I was going to play one of the top seeds. We sat down to analyze her game while she finished beating her opponent, and you told me, ‘You can beat this girl, she is completely unathletic. All you need to do is keep her moving, hit all down the lines, and you’ll beat her.’ And that is exactly what happened. 6-1, 6-2! I will never forget the feeling! Thank you for instilling confidence in me-- it serves me every day in my job and life. Another great memory was in Macon, Georgia the following year. In the middle of one of my matches my foot was throbbing. I ended up splitting sets with a girl I had beaten several times. During the break, you told me to, ‘Put some bio freeze on it and get back out there. You can’t let this girl win over a little tendon issue.’ To this day, I’m not sure how I pulled that out, and my opponent didn’t realize my foot was broken. You always taught me there was never a mountain too big that I couldn’t climb. You have had such a profound impact on my life and so many others, Calvin!
Kendall Addison ’18 Coach Calvin has been so much more than a coach to me! He has been my coach, my mentor, and a role model. He has been there for my best moments and often helps me through the toughest of times. He taught me grit, tenacity, and the importance of never giving up. I would not be HALF of the person I am today without Coach Calvin. I spent more time on the tennis courts at Country Day than at my own house! From his motivational speeches to his dedication to his students, Coach Calvin makes a difference in the lives of everyone he meets. I am forever grateful for the tremendous impact he’s had in my life, and I’m sure countless others can say the same.
John Anton, father of Arden Anton ’24 Coach Calvin, Thanks for always taking the time to educate the team on “life lessons” in addition to tennis lessons. Your comments about hard work, determination and attitude are relevant both on and off the courts. I know Arden and her teammates appreciate your insights and feel fortunate to have you as their coach! Let’s win state in 2022!
Banks Bourne ’90
“Calvin has built and led an institution of tennis excellence at Charlotte Country Day for as long as I can remember. I recall being part of his summer camps long before he joined CCDS and began his epic leadership at the school. Calvin is a great teacher/coach, but more importantly, an incredible builder of fine young men and women in a team environment. Congrats Coach Calvin.”
Leigh Edwards, mother of Austin Edwards ’24
Thank you for all your years of coaching and encouraging the CCDS students!”
Esther and Sam Farnham, parents of Sam Farnham ’22, Benjamin Farnham ’25, and Sally Farnham ’26
Coach Calvin has been a special part of the Farnham family for nearly a decade. We love and admire Calvin in more ways than we could describe here. Yes, he is a brilliant tennis coach and fierce competitor. But, beyond tennis, we admire Calvin for his devotion to the overall development of our children’s character - learning resilience, self-reflection, gratitude, and perspective. There is an old saying that kids spell love “T-I-M-E” and Calvin has invested sacrificially in quality time with our children, especially our senior, Sam. Calvin and Sam have traveled thousands of miles to tournaments throughout the southeast. Sam has learned a lot about walking in Calvin’s shoes as a black coach over the last 3+ decades. Calvin’s command of all the local eateries in every town (like Mama Dips in Chapel Hill, The Sub Spot in Greensboro, or Wintzell’s Oyster House in Mobile!) is also remarkable. For these, and many other reasons, we will be eternally grateful to Calvin for making such a strong and lasting investment in our family, and, of course, for building the greatest powerhouse in the history of high school athletics anywhere! Go Bucs and Go Calvin!!!
Nancy Haggart, mother of Elizabeth Haggart ’11 “What’s the biggest room in the house? The room for improvement.” “You can’t be good every day!” Calvin had some doozies! We love him so much! He’s a great person and really cares about the kids.
Tenley Hippensteel ’23
The best stories during practice come from Coach Calvin. The stories connect to the part of the season we are in. An example, and my personal favorite, was the “burn the boat” mindset for going into playoffs during the 2019 season because there was no going back!”
Allen Jackson, father of Allen Jackson ’12 and Nathan Jackson ’22 Our boys have had the privilege of working with Calvin for more than 15 years. Some of the things that make Calvin so special (either my observations or comments from our boys) include: • Allen and Nathan’s tennis skills, competitiveness, and character were greatly impacted by Calvin. • He teaches players how to win...there’s always a way. • Calvin talks straight and can be blunt- yet the players can absorb his message without argument or being offended. What a teen might take as criticism from a parent is taken as constructive advice from Calvin- they know he’s trying to help them be their best. • Our boys have told us that they play better and learn more when Calvin takes them to tournaments. I’ve heard: “When I see Calvin at a match, I focus on what we practice in clinics”; “He finds positives when I lose”; “He tells me what I need to work on when I win”; “He knows the best burger places in every town.” • Calvin is the ultimate raconteur. • Calvin stresses a hard work ethic- one can be as good as they are willing to work. • Sportsmanship and ethical behavior are the norm with Calvin’s players. Watching CCDS matches for 15 years, I can’t recall a cheater or poorly behaved player- Calvin wouldn’t let such a player on the team. • Any of his players, past and present, can (and do) call Calvin anytime for advice or support. • Calvin always has a positive demeanorhe is always looking forward. • What a smile- it will always lighten things up. Calvin has been one of the most impactful people our boys have had the opportunity to learn from at CCDS.
Allen Jackson ’12
Walt Kennedy ’91
The biggest regret of my life is not being Calvin’s student prior to my junior year of high school. My junior year I was so far from being a college tennis player. I had mediocre grades and lacked confidence. The first day I trained with Calvin he asked me why I wasn’t a blue chip (top 25 in the country). I struggled to answer. Following that, he told me every day to believe in myself and I could be best. I had never had someone believe in me so much that it instilled the belief that I could achieve whatever I wanted. My grades changed. My performance on the court skyrocketed. My only wish was that I trained with Calvin my entire life. Calvin shaped who I was, and he is by far the most influential person I met at CCDS and maybe in life. Thank you Calvin - much love.
“Coach Calvin Davis is more than a tennis coach. He coaches you in life skills and how to be a better person. It was an honor be a part of his first state championship at Charlotte Country Day in 1991! Coach Calvin Davis is a legend!”
Aubrey Kennedy, wife of Walt and mother of Quinn Kennedy ’23 One of my favorite memories of Coach Calvin was coming to pick my son up from practice and seeing Calvin sitting on a bench and all the tennis players gathered around him listening to him speak. He wasn’t talking about tennis, he was teaching life lessons. No matter how long practice might run over, I would sit patiently waiting for my son to come to the car, knowing that the time he spent learning from Coach Calvin was invaluable. Coach Calvin isn’t just a tennis coach, he is a mentor and a lifelong friend. We love you Calvin!
Quinn Kennedy ’23 Calvin has had a great impact in my life. I started going to TAP Tennis in 7th grade to prepare for middle school tryouts. Calvin was the first person to greet me and introduce me to the staff and other players. His coaching skills and life lessons have truly shaped who I am today. Calvin’s mentality positively impacts every player who attends TAP. The community created at TAP transferred to the teams at Country Day which created a competitive and respectful environment. Even though I no longer play tennis, Calvin’s life lessons travel along with me daily and still pop up in my head every once in a while. I will remember Calvin for being the coach that pushed everyone to be their best self on and off the court.
Kim McDonald, mother of Noah McDonald ’24 Coach Calvin has been so supportive of our family and of our son Noah. Noah started at CCDS as a freshman in 2020. Coach Calvin has helped him grow as a tennis player, taught him valuable lessons about being a man, and most of all showed him love. My greatest prayer as a parent is that there would be other people that come into my son’s life to build him up. Coach Calvin is one of those people. I’m truly honored that he is a part of our village. This new scoreboard in his name is a part of Coach Calvin’s legacy that shows what we know in our hearts about this wonderful teacher and coach.
Anna Moore ’20
Naveen Paul ’15
Through Varsity Tennis seasons and spending numerous summers at TAP, the most important thing Coach Calvin taught me was perseverance. Despite the hardships I faced with practice and being injured, Coach Calvin’s guidance allowed me to endure and become a better version of myself, both mentally and physically. His lessons of perseverance still stick with me today as I navigate college and the professional world, and persist through any challenges that come my way. It is safe to say that I would not be the person I am today without Coach Calvin!
“Calvin, After spending time in your tennis clinic during middle school, CCDS was a natural fit to play under your supervision. Your attention to detail and true interest in developing all your players was something to admire. You would stick with me through thick and thin even if I was the last match playing moon ball tennis and struggling to hit overheads. I wish we were able to win a state championship during my years, but your dominance speaks to how impactful you were as a coach. Thanks for all the late nights and advice over the years, it was really appreciated.”
Andy Pitts ’10 Coach Calvin! Thank you for the many years of investment you put into me. You made me fall in love with the game of tennis and always pushed me to be the best player I could be. From the time I began taking lessons in fifth grade all the way through my senior year, some of the best memories I have in life were made on the court with you. Thank you for the many years you’ve poured into the CCDS program and all the players who have passed through it! Sending all my best, hope you’re doing well!
Teresa Powell, mother of Ben Powell ’22 and Lauren Powell ’24
Thank you, Coach, for helping to instill in us the importance of having a winning attitude in our tennis and in our lives. Even though we had a great team you still encouraged us to always play our best and to have a good attitude. We appreciate all you’ve done for us. Charlotte Country Day is very lucky to have you and so are we. Best wishes in all you do. Kindly, The Powells” June Rhyne, mother of Bo Rhyne ’08 We knew Calvin for many years as Bo played in his TAP program before playing on the CCDS HS team. If I had to sum Calvin up, I would say that he is the ultimate strategist. While he had a plan and could envision an outcome, he let his players figure out the means to get there. By providing the most subtle of suggestions, he allowed his players to problem solve, try and fail, stumble, and usually, prevail. Calvin did not get in the kid’s head with tactics or strategies that were beyond their abilities to understand or execute! High school tennis has no formal officials or officiating, and consequently, the (opposing) players knew how to take advantage of this situation. As a parent, it could be so painful to watch and not be able to intervene. Calvin, of course, never flinched... He knew when one of his players had endured enough, they would return the favor to the opponent and ultimately level the playing field. Calvin had the ultimate respect for the value of team. I never rode the bus with the team, but Calvin’s roadside lessons were legendary. Basically, he would not tolerate a breakdown in chemistry, harmony, or respect for one’s teammates. One of my biggest lessons in strategy came from working as the tennis team mom under Calvin. I had a call from the coach of an upcoming away match asking us to move the time of our match. Naively, I answered that I was sure that would not be a problem. When I asked Calvin to make the adjustment, he answered that one never agrees to a request for a change from the opposition. He said that in every situation, they are likely working an advantage that won’t be to our own liking. Noted! Thank you, Calvin.
Isabel Roberts, mother of Ellen Roberts ’25
We love Calvin! He is an amazing coach and a kind person. We could not do it without him!” Robyn Saye, mother of David Saye ’22 and Sofia Saye ’25 Coach Calvin, You will always have a special place in our family’s heart. We appreciate your genuine support and encouragement of not only our kids but so many others. Your love for the game and for the students is so evident. You have so many kids and yet you make each of them feel special. Thank you for always having David’s best interest at heart, wanting the very best for him, and being an advocate for him. Thank you for helping Sofia grow her game and for providing a fun environment for her to do so. You have been a wonderful mentor, coach, and role model. You have so many wonderful stories to tell and we always enjoy hearing them! Here’s to you, Coach! Much love, the Sayes
Stuart Sherrill ’92 Coach Calvin is an absolute treasure and Country Day is so fortunate to have had him lead our boys and girls tennis programs for the last 30 years. He has the rare ability to get 100% effort from all of his players and in many cases motivate his players to achieve beyond their typical capabilities. 30 years after my last CCDS tennis match, Calvin remains a great influence in my life and I feel truly blessed to call him my good friend, mentor, and Coach. Coach Calvin instilled a mental toughness in me that carried far beyond my competitive tennis playing days which has helped me as a husband, parent, and business leader. If I were to write a book on Leadership, it would be the Coach Calvin Davis Biography. Simply put, there is no better tennis Coach at any level of the game than Calvin Davis. He loves his players unconditionally and they love him back well beyond their last matches for Country Day.
Sarah Swank ’20 Justin Starnes ’93 Calvin always said what you do on the tennis court will not only translate into your results on the court, but more important, it will translate into your life. Principals of hard work, persistence, showing up, team, and integrity were consistent in his teaching from age 14 at his clinics at Sharon View to when I played for him at CCDS. Calvin’s message became a foundational part of my life and now he is passing along that same wisdom to my children. We are fortunate and blessed to have him as our coach the last 32 years.
“One thing that Coach Calvin always emphasized was: it doesn’t matter how skilled you are at tennis as long as you can get the ball back over the net. While this may seem rather rudimentary, I feel it showcases how Coach Calvin truly believes that anyone can become a great tennis player, as long as they have desire. While the context of his sentiment was centered around tennis, much like many other lessons Coach Calvin taught me, it has continued to shape how I approach the various challenges in my life today. Thank you for everything Coach Calvin!”
Lucy Trent, mother of Garrett Trent ’06 Calvin, You and Garrett established a connection that day in the spring of 2002 when we visited the campus considering a move to Charlotte. You invited Garrett to come hit balls with the team. Garrett did not want to leave Dallas, but on the flight home he said to me, “Mom I don’t want to move, but if we have to go, I want to go to Country Day and I want to be #1 on the tennis team my junior year.” You inspired him to set a goal. What a gift that was to our family and to Garrett for the rest of his life. You are a very special friend to our family. And by the way, I believe he and Dejon were #1 doubles Garrett’s junior year! Congratulations on all of your many accomplishments, Calvin. You are the best!
Joel Turner, father of Bennett Turner ’20 and Will Turner ’14 I have had the good fortune to spend countless hours with Calvin in a wide array of settings including; as a coach to my children, as a mentor to underserved children, as a tennis parent counselor, as a leader at the national level of the sport, and as a leader in our community to build bridges and broaden access to the sport of tennis. There are a lot of coaches that can teach forehands and backhands, but Calvin has a truly special gift in his ability to mentor and inspire teenagers through their most difficult years. Watching him work his magic to reframe the mindset of one of our children that was ready to hang up his racquets at age 14 into an inspired and hungry teenager striving to reach new heights will forever be etched in our memory. Calvin tells of making a decision early in his career to either pursue the ministry or to teach tennis. While some may say he is an instructor of tennis, most would claim he has he has been teaching life lessons through his unique gift of storytelling. Whether through one-on-one mentoring, post-match team critiques, or one of his extemporaneous speeches to large groups at a national conference; his choice words always seem to flow effortlessly and strike the right chord needed for the moment and the audience. I believe the strongest testament to how profoundly Calvin has impacted the lives of his former players is the lifelong following his players have for him. His former players don’t just check in on him every 10 years or so. Rather, they turn to him regularly during college, early in their careers, as well as later in their professional lives. The players know they have a life counselor that is always there for them no matter what the topic may be. Calvin- thank you for making each of our lives better through the inspiration you bring to all of us each and every day!
Bennett Turner ’20 It’s impossible to define Calvin by one moment or memory. Everyone can seem like a great person for a moment and everyone can have one point in time where they do something impactful. However, Calvin has been stringing these moments together day after day, year after year, decade after decade changing the lives of people like myself forever. While I can point to his impact in teaching a forehand, or demonstrating a serve, his true gift is the ability to instill a burning self-belief and ambition within his players. The tennis world thrives upon a constant negativity, urging every player to quit, reminding them of their inadequacies, and ultimately leading to a sense of worthlessness. Through this oppressive cynicism, Calvin stands alone in his ability to truly latch onto to even the most undeveloped players and convey the potential they have. Often, Calvin believes in his players far more than they believe in themselves. To impressionable kids and teenagers, it is life-changing to have a mentor like Calvin tell them that they can achieve their goals and dreams. Where many coaches deliver these empty promises, the key distinguishing feature between Calvin and any other coach in the country is that he means what he says. When Calvin tells a kid that they can play collegiate or professional tennis, he takes that on himself as a challenge. He will be out on the courts with that kid until it is pitch black dark, on Christmas Eve, or half-way across the country because he takes ownership and ensures that that kid achieves his aspirations. Although no words or accolades can truly value his contributions to the tennis world, those who have worked with him know his impact. His passion for the game and his players is something that no parent could ever put a price on. As our world continues to evolve, the only constants remain life, death, and Calvin Davis making dreams come true.
Will Turner ’14
“When I first started training with Calvin, he told me ‘when you’re ready to win, you’ll win.’ It took me a long time to understand this statement, and even longer to implement it. But sure enough, with Calvin’s guidance, I finally ‘learned how to win’ a few years later. It had nothing to do with a tennis swing; it was a mindset and belief statement that I have kept with me to this day. Calvin is a winner, and as a result, his players are winners. Go Bucs.”
Caitlyn Waters ’19 Calvin is so special because of his dedication to the tennis program at Country Day, wanting all of us to be able to perform our hardest on and off the court. Calvin was helpful for me within my tennis career at Country Day, having faith in me and wanting me to work hard so I could get the opportunity to play on the line up. He taught me how important it is to stand up for yourself and be tough.