Text from Taytum today from Winter Nationals I thought you'd like to see:
"Hi Mr. Rompf  this is Taytum and I hope you’re doing well. I recently went to Orlando for a L1 on clay and the experience was fun. My first match I played wasn’t the complete best. I lost 3,6. My opponent didn’t do really much he just knew clay better than me. He hit behind me, had a good kick serve, and hit the ball high and deep. My doubles was pretty good. I played with a random person but he was good at doubles. We lost our first match 4,6 but we had played great doubles. The match was competitive and fun and we both did well for our first time playing. (I think we would’ve done a lot better if we played on Hardcourts because the clay was harder to push off the ground which makes you move slower). I played my second singles match and won against a 10.4 utr in a super. I won the first set 6-4, lost the second 1-6, and then won 10-8 in the breaker. It was a good match. My opponent was top 45 in the national, seeded a 17th seed, and was a 4 star recruit. During that match I did really well with making balls and trying to out rally my opponent. My third match was another seeded player but he ended up pulling out. My fourth match I lost 1,4. My opponent didn’t do much. He was a talk left handed player and he just really spun the ball. His serve was really effective as well since we were playing on clay. I learned a lot from that match to not overthink and just play your game. The experience overall was really fun. I want to thank you for giving me these scholarships Mr. Rompf because without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have met the tennis friends I have now, I wouldn’t have been able to do this good with results, and I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunities I have so far if it weren’t for you. While I was down there I also got some pictures while I was playing."
My text back:
"Hi Taytum
Thanks for your text
You continue to impress me greatly and I am glad to hear not only about your successes, but also that you are continuing to learn how to play at the top level of the game, on different surfaces, against different styles and opponents. That in itself will keep you improving and moving forward. You are well on your way to competing at a top D1 school and that experience will make a difference for you your whole life
Taytum, you were our first scholarship and the entire foundation project has been so absolutely gratifying to me and our Board and donors. Giving back into a game that has literally been my whole life is the greatest reward I could ever have. Both you and our other scholarship recipients have truly been an amazingly story; quite unbelievable and I am so proud of you and your fellow players.
Thank you so much for your kind note. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and to all of us. We look forward to continuing to help you next year. Make sure to send in another application.
Say hi to your mom. She's your greatest asset. Happy New Year!!"
Back from Taytum:Â Â
"Ok awesome! Thank you so much Mr. Rompf! You’ve truly been a blessing!"