In their own words: Daniel Beeman on fatherhood and the pursuit of excellence

In celebration of Father's Day, we reached out to parents who love the game of tennis and the life lessons it teaches. Read their first-person stories to learn how tennis can shape individuals' lives and careers and how it can positively impact the newest generations. Meet Daniel Beeman of Rockford, Illinois.

I grew up playing tennis with my family and neighbors at 13th Street Park. My parents were both passionate about the game, and the court quickly became a place where we spent real time together—hitting balls, learning, competing and simply passing summer days. Those early experiences did more than teach technique; they shaped how I’ve come to understand effort, challenge and growth. 

Tennis promotes values that reach far beyond the court: personal responsibility, emotional discipline, mental resilience and respect for others. As a player, coach and father, I’ve learned these aren’t lessons you check off a list. They’re lifelong pursuits—revisited, tested and refined through experience. 

Now, as I help others in their pursuit of excellence, those same lessons seem to land even deeper. It’s humbling how often the advice I give to young players turns into a quiet reminder to myself. Again and again, I find I still benefit from the very mindset I’m trying to teach—especially when it comes to staying steady under pressure, letting go of mistakes and putting full effort into whatever comes next, regardless of the outcome. 

There are days when things go off the rails. That’s just part of life. And when it happens, I’ve found the best response isn’t frustration or overthinking—it’s returning to core values and sticking to the basics. Tennis gives us constant practice in this kind of thinking. The ability to enjoy effort even when results are uncertain may be one of the most useful skills anyone can develop—on court or off. 

These days, my wife and son are both avid players, too. Watching them take on the game—with all its pressure, nuance and endless room for growth—brings things full circle. Sharing tennis as a family has become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. It keeps us active, connected and moving forward together.