Yesterday, just as USC Freshman Tennis Player Brandon Holt was starting his Singles match vs. Arizona, Trojan Candy saw her on the walkway of Marks Stadium. It was his mom Tracy Austin Holt. I ran up the stairs and asked if I could take her picture and interview her. She smiled for this picture. Then, Tracy asked me to interview her after the match. She said that she wanted to watch her son Brandon play and that she always gets so nervous when he plays. Trojan Candy can understand her feelings. My son Greg competed in many piano competitions.
Although I was able to take a picture of Tracy and Brandon together after the Arizona match, I actually didn't interview Tracy then. But today I had an opportunity to do so after the Utah match. She was sitting in the section next to me. After the match ended, I was able to ask Tracy just a few questions.
Tracy said that after she retired from competitive tennis, she married and had three sons. All three of her sons play tennis. As for herself, she told me that she plays tennis two to three times a week.
She likes "older band" music and likes to listen to "news radio." Gardening and looking at the "Home and Garden Show" on HGTV are her hobbies. Tracy also likes to exercise and "keep up" with friends.
Tracy told me that she is so glad that Brandon chose USC. There is great academics here and a great opportunity for Brandon to improve. She said that USC is like "family."
USC is the lucky one!
It was a long walk from the Coliseum to the Marks Tennis Stadium, but Trojan Candy made it in time. The Senior Salute would be after the Doubles competition against Utah.
The team preceded the match with a team cheer.
Head Coach Peter Smith scheduled all three Seniors to play in the Doubles matches. Senior Rob Bellamy teamed with Jack Jaede on Court 2. Laurens Verboven and Brandon Holt played on Court 1. Seniors David Laser and Nick Crystal competed together on Court 3.
During the entire Court 3 match, there was lots of cheering for David. His family, relatives and friends filled the stands.
After the Doubles ended, Trojan Candy and my husband Jim rushed downstairs to the court. I took pictures and Jim took videos. It was now time for the Senior Salute.
Trojan Candy wanted to take a picture of each Senior with his family, but everyone else starting walking off the court. There were Singles matches to be played. I was able to take a picture of Rob Bellamy and his parents Steve and Beth.
Trojan Candy managed to take a picture of Nick Crystal with his parents Diane and Scott.
Trojan Candy tried to take a picture of David's family, but they had already walked into another room or walked upstairs to the stands. I walked upstairs and talked to David. He said that several family members left. Then I told David that I would take a picture of him with his parents at the USC Athletic Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, May 11th. David said that he would look for me.
After USC defeated Utah 7-0, Trojan Candy took a picture of the three Seniors upstairs.
Now was the only time to interview Senior David Laser, and I did! David majored in Sociology. His parents live in his home town Chicago, and David will return to Chicago for the summer. In addition to playing tennis, David plays basketball and practices judo. His favorite movies are "Rocky" movies. "Shameless" is David's favorite television show. As for music, David likes Classic Rock, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, and John Mellancamp. Steak and mashed potatoes is David's favorite food. He has been the "cheerleader" for the team at every match. FIGHT ON, David!
Jim and Trojan Candy were invited by Coach Smith to a reception downstairs. We were one of the first ones to arrive. We sat with Brandon Holt's grandparents Stan and Fredith Holt. There were sandwiches, drinks and snacks. Thanks, Coach Smith!
Trojan Candy saw Men's tennis alumnus Jonny Wang (1/19/2015). Jonny just graduated in 2016 It was so nice to visit with him again.
Luckily, I saw Senior Rob Bellamy. He let me take his picture and interview him. While I was taking his picture, Grandma Fredith Holt told him to smile. Naturally, he obeyed her. Rob majored in Real Estate Development. He loves to eat carbohydrates...pasta and pizza. Basically, he'll eat any Italian pasta. Rob's favorite music is electronic music. "Die Hard" is his favorite action movie. Another Trojan after my own heart! Rob said that he doesn't have any hobbies....tennis and school keep him very busy. He does like to sit on the couch and watch videos. "Entourage" is Rob's favorite television show. FIGHT ON, Rob!
My final picture at the reception and for the day was of a close friend and high school teammate of USC alumnus Steve Johnson and of Steve Johnson's dad. Sunjae Lee is currently a coach of the Orange Panthers Tennis Team at Orange High School. It was so nice to meet Bob Johnson. We talked about how great it was for USC to win four NCAA Tennis Championships when Steve attended USC.
What an exciting day!