Recruiting Profile
Lakeway's Austin Mayo
by James Hill, 29 September 2011
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Austin Mayo is a young man with a lot of drive, hustle and determination.
The 17-year-old senior from Lakeway, Texas, was honored for those qualities during a week's training at the IMG Bollettieri Academy.
Austin was the proud recipient of the Gatorade "G" award for "displaying heart, hustle and soul while exhibiting a true desire to become the total athlete," according to the IMG staff. Only one athlete from each sport was presented the prestigious award.
The week of intense training was not lost on Austin. He plans on carrying that experience with him through all of his endeavors, both on the tennis court and off.
"I was very grateful to get the opportunity to go to IMG, along with receiving the award," Austin said. "They taught me that I have the capability to train at a higher level than my mind can conceive. They gave me a chance to experience college life - away from family and friends."
Austin attended the IMG camp on a scholarship provided by the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB), the non-profit organization which puts on the "Little Mo" tournaments for boys and girls age 11 & under. The foundation, based in Dallas, has promoted junior tennis development for over forty years. The "Little Mo" tournaments are named after Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly, who was the first woman to win the Grand Slam, in 1953 at 18. She is the only American woman to have won the Grand Slam, and she is still the youngest woman ever to have achieved this magnificent feat.
It's appropriate that Austin attended the IMG camp on a scholarship from the foundation. After all, the Mayo family has long been involved with the "Little Mo" Nationals tournament, held at the Austin Tennis Academy in Austin, Texas, where the future star trains.
"The Maureen Connolly Brinker Foundation has been so lucky to have the Mayos as volunteers at the "Little Mo" Nationals each year," said Carol Weyman, MCB executive vice president and "Little Mo" chairperson. "Austin is always ready to help with tournament set-up and any job that needs to be done. He always has a ready smile and a willingness to be of assistance."
When Austin attended the IMG camp, arguably the toughest in the nation, he impressed the teaching pros and staff with his abilities, and more importantly, whith his positive attitude.
Austin's coach at IMG was David "Red" Ayme, who has worked with some of the top players in the world, including Boris Becker and Tommy Haas. Although he has worked with thousands of kids during his 25 years at IMG, he took special notice of Austin.
"He's an incredible young man," Ayme said. "Austin is an extremely hard worker. He hits that heavy ball and has a strong serve. Austin left a lasting impression on all of the coaches."
