Hassey was 1976 Athlete of the Year at to include international players. This summer, Mira Costa High School near Manhattan for example, he plans to host 10 to 20 players Beach in Southern California. He then played from Mexico. two years on the varsity team at the University "The wonderful improvements Jerry of California Irvine and was also a member of Colangelo and his ownership group have the Mexican Davis Cup Team. already made to the resort have inspired some Then his dad died in Mexico. former members to come back and rejoin," he "I had to find a job to support myself,'' he says. "We're very happy to see those people recalls. He accepted a tennis pro position at return. Litchfield Park and the surrounding Rancho Verde Racquet Club at Rancho Palos communities are just wonderful and my goal Verdes, near South Redondo Beach. is to have all of the former members will come Here he developed a concept of helping home to The Wigwam." Net Worth other gifted young Mexican players. "When "I have met so many wonderful people I came to this country, I had to learn the through tennis,'' Hassey explains. "I get to language and the culture, and it was very teach a sport people can enjoy for the rest of ·············~······ difficult," he explains. So, he approached the their lives and now I am teaching a second THE WIGWAM'S Mexican Tennis Federation to see if it would generation - kids of my former students. Most CHARISMATIC TENNIS help sponsor a program in which four young importantly, I teach young people what tennis players would visit the U.S. annually, and stay taught me: pride, discipline, responsibility and PRO SERVES ACES with him for a year to learn more about the the right way to treat people." • EVERY DAY • game and the country. The results were outstanding. Two of those BY DAVID M. BROWN he brought to the States under this program were Jorge Lozano and LeoLavelle [Lavalle]. As a professional, Lozano was ranked in the Top 50 in World Singles by the Association he Wigwam's Director of Tennis, include a varied schedule of aerobics, yoga, Champion at an Early Age of Tennis Professionals, was a member of the Carlos Hassey, has more than 30 years Pilates, Zumba, body dynamics and other condi­ Born in Mexico City, Hassey was the Mexican Mexican Davis Cup team from 1981- 1995 and T of teaching and coaching experience tioning enjoyed by guests and members. Junior National Champion in 1974 and 1975- winner of many events, including two Grand in the sport. In the year Hassey has been at "I love it here," says Hassey, who lives and immediately noticed. "One of the legendary Slam French Open Mixed Doubles in 1988 The Wigwam, his responsibilities have evolved with his wife Rosie and two of their chil­ tennis coaches, George Toley from USC, was and 1990. to include coordinating not only the resort's dren, Mariely, 16, and Carlos, 11, in nearby scouting in Mexico and saw me play," he recalls. Equally successful, Lavelle [Lavalle] diverse tennis programs, but also oversight of Surprise. A United States Professional Tennis "He carne to my parents and told them that for was the 1985 Wimbledon Junior Singles its daily recreation and fitness offerings. Association Professional Levell, he has me to get to the next level it would be better that Champion, also ranked in the ATP top 50 for The Wigwam's extensive facilities include coached world-class players during his teach­ I come to the States and face more competition." World Singles and a member of the Mexican Most importantly, I teach young nine courts, two of which are clay and all of ing career and works with top juniors in the Toley, coached at the University of Davis Cup team. He is well known for his U.S. people what tennis taught me: which are lighted for night play, a Fitness Center Valley, including Mariely and Carlos, who are Southern California from 1954 to 1980, and Open win over Stefan Edberg, and he won MEMBERSHIP to The Wigwam pride, discipline, responsibility equipped with weights, state-of-the-art Cybex nationally ranked in their age categories. "The his teams won 10 NCAA team champion­ many doubles titles, including the 1984 Junior Country Club for tennis and and the right way to treat circuit training machines, tread mills, ellipticals Wigwam is a beautiful place to work, and I ships. Among his students were Rafael Osuna, Doubles. fitness is offered for families and people."-Carlos Hassey and recumbent bikes. Daily instructional classes love what I do," he says. known for his singles victory at the U.S. Open individuals to include unlimited Championships in 1963, Stan Smith and Giving Back to the Game tennis play, access to the Lodge Bob Lutz. "He was one of my mentors and After serving as the tennis pro at a number of pool, use of the Fitness Center taught me how to teach," Hassey says of the excellent clubs in Southern California, Hassey and participation in instructional International Tennis Federation Hall of Fame and his family moved to Arizona in July 2005. classes. The monthly tennis cost is member. "He was an icon." "My dream since I was young was to have a $130 per family, and an individual Hassey was 16 when Toley saw him, and championship tennis court at my house, and pays $100. The initiation fee is his parents were not wealthy. "But they made I found the perfect lot to build the house with the same for both. Hassey adds a big sacrifice for me and sent me to the the court," he says. that members can call him or a States," he explains. "My mother taught me Hassey was brought on to The Wigwam to staff member to arrange tennis how to cook and told me to call home at least expand and promote tennis memberships, ini­ matches, even at short notice. once a week." Today a United States citizen, tiate the juniors program, and guide the men's, For membership information, call he returns once a year to visit his family in ladies and seniors interclub leagues. So far, his the Pro Shop, (623)535-4932, or Mexico City and, once every few years, they programs and clinics have been a great success, Carlos Hassey, (623) 535.4926. visit him here. and he has even expanded his summer camps

WIGWAMRESORT.COM 4 1