Lee family relishes memories on tennis courts

From left, Dong Min, Anne, and Sean Lee pose for a photo after their game in last month’s White Coconut Tennis Classic at the American Memorial Park tennis courts. (Contributed Photo)

Last month’s White Coconut Classic was a tournament to remember for the Lee family.

“It was the first time that I, my son Sean, and my youngest daughter Anne, played at the same time in different courts at the American Memorial Park,” said Dong Min Lee.

Dong Min partnered with junior player Hoo Wang and they defeated Nason Wessel and Ami Tsukagoshi in the mixed-up doubles third round during the Feb. 14 play date on Court 2. On Court 1, Sean teamed up with Min Seoung Kim in beating Quintin Ramsey and Ji Jun Park, while Anne was with Tomas Abel on Court 3 when they lost to Si Woon Lee and Andy Kim.

Dong Min and Wang won in straight sets despite the former’s attention divided between his game and the matches of his son and daughter.

“I couldn’t focus on my own match because I was worried about their scores and also very happy that they were on the courts beside me. My eyes were becoming like a chameleon, as I was looking side to side. I felt sorry for my partner, Hoo, but we were still able to win our own match,” Dong Min said.

While their dad lost focus on his game, the Lee siblings were really into their respective match.

“It’s cool to have three family members playing at the same time, but still I had to focus on my own game,” said Sean, who also competed in the men’s singles division.

Anne, on the other hand, said she didn’t know that his dad was on the other court, as she was too concentrated on her game.

Seeing Sean and Anne playing while he was also competing reminds Dong Min of his experience with her eldest child, Carol Lee, who is now playing for Georgia Tech in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

“When Carol and I played at the same time, I always thought I could focus on my own game. But I can’t. I always think about her playing on the other court, reacting to her shots. It happened again with Sean and Ann. I could never stop thinking about the games of my children,” Dong Min said.

Carol Lee, seen here in action in an NCAA game in Georgia, misses playing with her family. (Contributed Photo)

Meanwhile, Carol was able to watch the video footage of her family’s games in last month’s White Coconut Classic and admitted missing times like this.

“When I watched a short video of my dad, my sister, and my brother competing next to each other, I felt as if I was missing out and I wished I was there with them, competing next to them and supporting them. I definitely miss training and playing with my family. I’m glad to see them still practicing and competing hard while enjoying themselves on the court even though we are still in the pandemic,” the Yellow Jackets rookie said.

Carol still remembers when she and her brother played at the same time and their dad was having a hard time watching the two matches.

“He looked confused and it was just very funny. I also recall when my dad was playing doubles while I was playing doubles, too and we were next to each other. I could see my dad looking at me during the points. He was more into watching my doubles than him playing his match. And when I win a point, he would complement me on my shots,” Carol said.

Dong Min is proud to see Carol move up in the collegiate ranks and vows to continue guiding his two other children, as he hopes Sean and Anne will also have the opportunity to play in high-level competitions in the future.