Reflecting On and Celebrating a Local Family’s Contributions to Northern California On and Off the Court

It is through these life lessons that Maynard carved out his path that would shape his life, as well as the lives of his children. Maynard started playing tennis in public parks in Brooklyn in the 40s during a time when tennis was difficult for African Americans to break into. Unable to compete in regular sanctioned tournaments, Maynard grew up playing in the American Tennis Association (ATA) for African-American players, created in response to the prohibition against black players in sanctioned tournaments. Despite the challenges he faced, the ATA gave Maynard the opportunity to be recognized as a player, play the sport competitively, and help  take his tennis to the next level. Maynard went on to receive a tennis scholarship to Columbia University and became the first black captain of Columbia’s tennis team. 

But, Maynard was not just a pioneer on the tennis court, but also in the medical field. He attended Howard University’s medical school and then went on to do his residency at Oakland’s Kaiser permanente in 1963 and became the first black OBGYN in the East Bay. He would later go on and deliver Kamala Harris, a woman who has broken countless barriers and most recently became the first black and female Vice President of the United States. 

Nevertheless, “There were a lot of good people and it felt like there was a community of tennis players that were all ranked through the juniors, and we were all just trying to get better and everyone was there to help everyone get better,” Brad continued. 

But if it was the love for the game of tennis that really brought the family together, it was the parents' mantra of giving back and investing in supporting people and organizations in the community that really left a lasting impression on the Driver children.

Wendy says this comes from the lessons her parents learned from her grandparents. “Our family just persevered and worked hard,” she said. “Those are the core values that continue to be passed down.”

“Our parents had so many obstacles in their lives and they just kept working through them,” Brad added. “They were big on tenacity, accountability, and responsibility. And, no matter how much you achieved, always maintain integrity, stay humble and true to your character - that was very important to them.”

And those values have carried through. Kyle, Brad, and Wendy have all been active in giving back to the community as adults, especially in the Bay Area. From starting public park programs, coaching, and working at academies to implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives at the grassroots level, they each have contributed to tennis and the overall community on their own and continue to pass these values on to their children today.

And, these lessons are especially important as we celebrate Black History Month. “It is important to reflect on all of the accomplishments of our race and culture,” said Brad. “The history books that young people learn from don’t do our contribution to the growth and history of this country justice.” 

“For me personally, understanding this journey and the contributions greats like Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson made is important, but equally, knowing what someone like my dad, my sister Wendy, and so many other black tennis players endured and contributed is just a huge source of pride and knowledge. I think we all need to understand our legacies to understand and visualize our path forward.”