Opening Doors: Gay Pioneer Brian Vahaly & Mental Health Author Joanne McCallie

Brian Vahaly’s journey starts as a top-level junior out of Atlanta. He went onto an outstanding ATP career, topping out at No. 64 in the world. Currently he volunteers as USTA Secretary-Treasurer and became a pioneer as the first ATP pro who has come out as gay. Joanne McCallie says she regrets not playing more tennis as a child (she loves the sport now!) but she did pretty well as a basketball player. She coached the Michigan State women’s basketball team for seven years and 13 seasons leading the Duke women’s team. Her second book, Secret Warrior, covers her struggles with mental health and her advice for athletes struggling with similar issues. In our weekly spotlights are NOLA junior Carley Griffin and Karen Henson, who coaches tennis at Elizabethtown (KY) High School.