Austin shares 'Road to Success'

By John Kennett
Journalism 312

Two-time U.S. Open winner Tracy Austin still remembers the influence Billie Jean King had on her tennis career.

When Austin was 9, Billie Jean King filmed a commercial at the club where Austin was training. Meeting King had a profound effect on her life.

"I clearly remember in my mind getting King's autograph, and the pictures I took with her," said Austin. "I did a book report on her and that can make an impact on you."

Securing an influential mentor is one of the five points from Austin’s “Road to Success” talk, which she presented Thursday at a luncheon hosted by Vision Tri-County at Valley Plaza Resort.

Priorities, preparation, passion and asking the question, "What else can I do?" are other topics that Austin touched upon during her presentation.

Sid Allen, president of the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce, was impressed with Austin's presentation.

"I think that she is a very dynamic person," Allen said. "I admire what she has done and the message she gave us."

Austin is in town to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Dow Corning Tennis Classic. She served as guest celebrity host at Thursday's and Friday’s matches.

"That's success,” Austin said. “None of the other (USTA Pro Circuit Events) have lasted 20 years."

Austin credits community involvement for the longevity of the DCTC.

"It is very important when a community gets behind it," Austin said. "When a tournament falters, it is because you do not have a company like Dow Corning behind it."

Presently, Austin works as a tennis commentator for USA Network and NBC, while enjoying the role of mother to three boys.

She sees the value of tennis in the lives of young people.

"To me, it is so healthy that kids are active," Austin said. "Socially, it's good for them to interact with the other kids and learn sportsmanship, and to learn how to win and lose.”

Losing forces a player to evaluate what is wrong and to take steps to correct the problem, which helps a person later on in life.

"That helps with business later," Austin said. "In business, (if) you have a weakness, (you consider) how to try and improve that."

Her advice to parents was to treat each child as an individual.

"Always take the lead of the child," Austin said. "It is not always one way, one path."

Austin used sports commentator Dick Enberg, a graduate of Central Michigan University, as an example of great preparation.

"Most commentators come in on Friday for the weekend matches," Austin said. "But Dick will come in on Monday and chart shots all week long preparing for Saturday and Sunday matches."

Austin's passion for tennis was evident throughout the presentation.

"I think that tennis is a great lifetime sport," said Austin, who was the top-ranked women's player in 1980. "I still love tennis."

While talking to reporters after her presentation, Austin mentioned how encouraged she is about the status of the women's and men's tennis tours.

"The fact that we had the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, and it was wide open (is exciting)," Austin said.

Austin believes that the men's tour is in great shape with the up-and-coming players.

"I like what happened at the Australian Open," said Austin. "(Champion) Novak Djokovic was a solid No. 3 (seed). I kind of felt like for a couple of years, it has been Federer and Nadal. Now it's nice to insert that new blood."

Austin was impressed with Jo-Wilfried Tsongas, who placed second at the Australian Open.

"The guy is phenomenal to watch, the way that he dissected Nadal," said Austin. "He seems like a great personality. We need that."

Edited by Jason Baird and Sheri Krotzer