About Vlasta's Brankovsky Tennis Background.
A private tennis court built by Vlasta's parents in 1930.
Vlasta's Brankovsky tennis career has also started aginst the wall. Vlasta's parents being sports minded, built a tennis court in their large garden, next to the house. That was 80 years ago.
Vlasta's 6 years older brother and 4 years older sister were good tennis players. They found it uninspiring to play with their younger sibbling. They have always told her " Do not bother us! " and " Go practice against the wall! "
In the photos above: Vlasta with her mother in front of their green house, in the garden. In next photo, Vlasta's parents enjoying the party of friends at their private tennis court, in 1930.
15 years old Vlasta joined a local tennis club in Pilsen, an industrial town also known for the beer, located in west Czechoslovakia. At 18 years, Vlasta already beacame Junior and Ladies Champion of West Bohemia, a region where Pilsen is located. Three years later, Vlasta was among the top ten in Czechoslovakia and came a long way from the first practice against the house wall.
World War II, marriage with two young children interrupted Vlasta's tennis career. When the dust settled, Vlasta became a tennis coach in Slavoj Prague Tennis Club for junior players, including her two children, Rosti and Barbora.
Vlasta's tennis students started with Paddle Tennis Racquet and all became good tennis players in their tennis life.
All they done well, but there was also a strong reason.
Necessity being a mother of invention, all tennis students in Czechoslovakia would start practising against the wall in school gyms in the fall and start playing on the outdoor courts in the spring time. The indoor courts during the winter were reserved for high ranked players.
In 1968 her juniors were finalist in Prague City Team Competition in her both children made valuable points in team of Dukla Prague Tennis Club that was a winner in the national team competition.
Upon Vlasta's arrival in Canada in 1970, Vlasta used this method with equal success. This method requires minimal funds and does not depend on the climate. Everybody learns a good technique.
Finalist of City of Prague Team - Championship. Vlasta's juniors with the captain in 1968.
Achievements of Vlasta's Students.
Vlasta's achievementx in Czechoslovakia
Hana Mandlikova started at Vlasta's Tennis School, Dukla Praha Tennis Club - 1967
Coach of Junior Team Slavoj Praha tennis Club
(Finalist in the City of Praha Team Tennis Championship) - 1969
Director / Tennis Professional - Dukla Praha Tennis Camp, Rozmital - 1968
Tennis Professional for Juniors - Dukla Praha Tennis Club - 1967 - 1969
Tennis Professional for Juniors - Slavoj Praha Tennis Club - 1964 - 1969
Achieved Level 2 Tennis Professional ( highest level without university ) - 1964
Volunteer Tennis Instructor - Slavoj Praha Tennis Club - 1958 - 1963
Barbora Brankovsky (daughter)
In Canada
Member of Canadian Federation Team - 1973, 1976, 1977
Played International tournaments in USA, Spain, England, Italy and France 1973 - 1977
Ranked # 2 Nationally in 1976
Competed in the Canadian Open Tournament in Toronto and lost in 2nd round to Sue Barker (Britain's No.2)
Ranked #11 in Women's Tennis Association - 1976
Canadian U21 Champion 1971 - 1973
Played for University of Toronto Team 1971 - 1973
Canadian Junior Champion, U18 - 1970
In Czechoslovakia
Member of the Team of Dukla Praha Tennis Club - Winner of the National Team Tennis Championship - 1968
#2. U14 - 1966
Rosti Brankovsky (son)
Ranking in Over 55 No. 3, Doubles with Jim Boyce No.1 - 2009
Tennis Professional in Flensburg & Quickborn, W. Germany - 1980 - 1984
Played Sugar Circuit, South Africa - 1979
In Canada
Fully Certified Level iV - Tennis professional according to Canada Coaching certification Program - 1977
Coached Juniors in Saskatoon - Winners of Provincial Nestle Team Championship - 1976
Winner of University of Toronto Singles & Mix Doubles - 1974
In Czechoslovakia
Member of Team, Dukla Praha Tennis Team - Winner of the National Team Championship - 1969
Won his first tournament using the Smart Starter Padle Racquet - 1959
Brankovsky Students Achieve Tennis Scholarship
Vlasta's teaching methods and techniques continue to pay off for her students as evidenced by the following who are on the Tennis Scholarship in U.S. universities and colleges:
Tony Bresky - Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL
Daniel Cibula - Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Peter Cibula - George Technical University, Atlanta, GA
Monica Koplas - Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Jane Kravchenko, USA Tennis Scholarship
Rene Hock - Charleston University, SC
Toby Rackic - University of South Carolina
Timothy Videnka - Rollins University College, Orlando, FL
Vanesa Web - Duke University
Robert Janecek - University of Carolina, Los Angeles, CA
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