West Chester Boy, 12, Has Dreams Of Going Pro In Tennis, But Needs Community's Help
By Cherri Gregg
WEST CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- A 12-year-old West Chester boy is on a mission to compete in tennis on an international stage and he's hoping the community will help getting there.
Inspired by his big sister, Tauheed Browning started playing tennis when he was six-years-old and since then the six-grader has sharpened his skills.
"I started playing in a lot of tournaments and beating people who are better than me."
From 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.-- five days a week-- sixth-grader- Tauheed-- or "Young T" as he's called, is up working.
"I get up, do my school work, eat, practice for about four hours, then do school work, then practice again."
A total of six hours of practice a day on the courts at the Legacy Youth Tennis and Education Center in East Falls, all for the dream.
"I want to go professional, pro-tour, I want to win the U.S. Open, French Open, Wimbeldon." And the Australian open, too.
So far, he's played in the U.S. Open Stadium, played the Orange Bowl and is playing in the Easter Bowl next week.
Today, the A student is number one in his age group in Pennsylvania, Jersey and Delaware--and number 40 in the nation.
"I'm serious about what I'm doing and I'm not just playing for fun."
Dad and coach Tauheed Browning says it could cost $60,000 plus a year for travel and coaching.
"I want to afford both of my kids the opportunity to do what they want to do in this life."
So he's launched a GoFundMe page hoping the community will help Young T get overseas.
"It sounds cliche-ish, but takes a village."
