SPUT Alumni Spotlight: Txengkong Vang
Making Every Moment Count: Txengkong’s SPUT Journey
When Txengkong (TK for short) first joined Saint Paul Urban Tennis, he saw more than just a summer job – he saw a world of possibilities. “I personally joined because I saw all the opportunities,” TK shares. “I was able to be a coach, leader, enjoy my environment and lastly get paid for it. It was honestly a win-win situation.”
That positive attitude and eagerness to grow helped TK make the most of every program he joined, from the Warriors Leadership Academy to Employment PLUS, summer coaching, and the All City Tournament. His dedication to excellence didn’t go unnoticed – he was even named “Best Coach of the Year,” a moment he cherishes as one of his finest achievements.
What makes TK’s journey special is his determination to learn from every experience. “I always step up when I have a chance to,” he explains. “Every program I joined and every experience that I went through gave me a lesson. I always took something out of it.”
His growth as a coach particularly stands out. TK remembers his first experience as a head coach as a turning point in his development. “It taught me patience, new ways of creativity, and just allowing myself to be me,” he reflects. “I had to be patient with the kids cause they loved to have fun but also be rowdy. Creativity allowed me to make up new drills and games. And lastly, allowing myself to be an adult for the youth while having an inner kid spirit.”
The coaching experience didn’t just help him lead others – it improved his own tennis game too. “Being a coach vastly increased my knowledge and skills,” TK notes. “I was able to grasp the lessons easier and self coach.”
For TK, SPUT has become more than just a tennis program – it’s a second home. “SPUT was a place that I could return to. All my friends were here, the adults were welcoming and always helpful,” he shares. He especially values how the organization helps young people develop: “SPUT gives the youth the path to grow. That very path allows them to grow, learn, and have participation in chances that are rare for others.”
Looking back on his journey, TK has simple but powerful advice for current SPUT participants: “Enjoy! Enjoy all the experiences and opportunities that SPUT gives. You can always take something out of it. Everything can be fun if you enjoy and live in the moment.”
TK’s story exemplifies how embracing opportunities and maintaining a positive attitude can lead to remarkable personal growth. His journey with SPUT has been, in his words, “fun but reflective” – a perfect combination for developing both tennis skills and life skills.