Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 8-7-20

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020
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Young Tennis Player Back In Tampa To Fine Tune Her Craft
Through uncertain times and con- tinuous changes across the state and country, Layla Bryant continues to train to perfect her skill. As she looks forward to beating another obstacle in the COVID-19 Pandemic, Layla has taken to training at home in Tampa, to catapult her professional career in the women’s tennis circuit.
As an African American woman tennis player, the road to playing pro- fessional tennis has never been a walk in the park. Beginning at age four, Layla began training in her home- town of Tampa, and upon discovering that the outlets at that time in Tampa would not yield the best outcome for her career, Layla moved to Gainesville, Florida.
Layla began extensive training at JETA. JETA offered her the opportu- nity to train with the Florida Gators Assistant Head Men’s Tennis Coach, Jeremy Bayon.
To help her advance her career, at age 11, Layla relocated to Delray Beach and was trained by some of the best coaches in the area. With the
LAYLA BRYANT
support and conviction of her mom, Carla, Layla continued to overcome obstacles and find coaches that would assist her opportunities to advance to the next level.
Beginning homeschool in 3rd grade, Layla did not have the chance to play for a middle school or high school team. It was up to her family and herself to make the best decisions
LAYLA IN ACTION
for her future.
At age 13, Layla received the op-
portunity to travel to the U. S. Open, where her eyes were truly opened to what she could achieve. From that day forward, Layla lived by the slo- gan “Dream Out Loud” and continues to do so in her career path. Layla continues to be a young tennis phe- nom.
She trained in one of the most prestigious tennis circuits in 2019
while in Belgium. She also competed in Belgium National tournaments, Tennis Europe and ITF tournaments.
At 15 years old, Layla was the youngest player accepted to the draw at the 25k Flanders Ladies Tourna- ment in Belgium. The tournament provided her with the opportunity to compete at a high level and prove that she was ready to be a professional tennis player.
Layla’s journey has taken her around the world, but has presently landed her back in her hometown as she fine tunes her craft with coach, Filip Vittek and prepares for the most important step yet. With a sup- port team around her, led by OTG Sports Management and Chris Mar- tin, Layla has intensified her train- ing at Cooper’s Sports Performance in Tampa.
Perhaps summed up best in the words of Layla, “I dream to become a great tennis player, #1 in the world and to have longevity in this sport. I don’t want to be good, I want to be great!”
Tea And Conversation Is A ‘Candidates’ Roll Call’
Candy Lowe of the Black Busi- ness Bus Tour and Tea and Conversa- tion, hosted “Tea and Conversation,” recently as an outdoor event. The 2- hour event was held at Al’s Soul Food Restaurant with more than 200 in at- tendance.
Voters who attended the event had an opportunity to hear from the
candidates and their views. Several vendors also displayed their goods. (Photos by Julia Jackson)
Donald Dowridge and Mona Judge attended the outdoor event.
Judicial Candidate Greg Green and Mrs. Green were also in attendance.
These ladies in masks were interested in the remarks from the candidates.
Candy Lowe, sponsor of the “Tea and Conversation,” right, is shown with can- didate Kevin Beckner.
Adam Hattersley and State Rep. Di- anne Hart attended the event.
Jarvis El-Amin and Edward Aikens during question and answers session with a candidate.