In Memoriam: Clinton C Vessels, III

USTA Colorado and the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation are profoundly saddened to announce that Clinton C. Vessels, III, who has served on the CYTF board for more than 20 years, has passed away.

He was a man of remarkable resilience and integrity, and his passion for helping children through tennis embodies the spirit of the CYTF and its work. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The following HighFIVE profile appeared in the 2015 Summer issue of Colorado Tennis newspaper.

Arthur Ashe has said, “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” Those words hold special meaning for Clinton C. Vessels, III, the interim president of the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF). The stage 4 cancer survivor, who at one point had been given 6 months to live, is now more determined than ever to solidify his legacy of bringing the opportunity of tennis to everyone — especially underprivileged young people.

Stepping onto the tennis court at the age of 10 under the influence of his beloved father, Clinton C. Vessels, Jr., his life direction would be permanently altered and the number of doors tennis would open would become hard to count. Starting as a ball boy for Arthur Ashe and then going on to be selected to play national tournaments, he would get to meet other tennis greats such as Althea Gibson.

Being one of the first African-American athletes to have this opportunity ignited his passion to open doors for others. “I was very lucky to be a part of that,” he explains regarding his extraordinary opportunity to travel the world and play tennis in clubs that at that time was prohibited to most African-Americans. He said he was also blessed to have two highly educated parents who had the means and desire to support the tennis dreams he had. Understanding that even in today’s world, however, economic and social factors still exist that can be a barrier for young athletes, he is on a mission to raise as much money for the foundation as he can.

Clinton is in his 19th year serving on the board of the CYTF, which helps fund young netters from the ages of 8-18 by providing scholarships and program grants to ensure all kids have access to tennis, regardless of their economic, social or ethnic background. He knows that tennis isn’t just a sport — it’s much bigger than that. “Tennis teaches etiquette, sportsmanship, honesty,” he explains, adding that it’s allowed him to meet “extraordinary people from all over the world.” He also says that’s such a mental game, one where you are forced to think for yourself.

Clinton awakes each day grateful for life and tennis and the way they have complemented each other, life giving him tennis skills and tennis giving him life skills. He credits battling cancer to how he’s approached tennis. “Had I never been involved in tennis, I might not have approached it the same way. My life would not have been the same.”

Supported by his incredible doctors, the tennis community, and his wife, Debra, who he’s known for 48 years, Clinton says that life after cancer forces him to prioritize and live each and every day with an understanding of how precious life is. Looking to solidify a legacy with the Foundation, he is focused on raising as much money as he can for as many kids as he can so that they will lead more fulfilling lives. Helping the families of disadvantaged youths, keeping them on track and putting them into a community where their dreams can come true is what it’s all about.

USTA Colorado Executive Director Fritz Garger said Clinton’s strength and commitment are invaluable to the kids and the foundation. “Clinton has been an integral part from day 1 of the revitalized CYTF Board of Trustees. I have known him for most of my life and he represents so much of what is truly good about this sport. He’s thoughtful, considerate, caring and professional. The CYTF has been fortunate to have someone of his character involved with our work and our mission. He’s passionate about helping kids in need and knows first-hand what this sport can do for youngsters.”

Acknowledging that tennis has given him more than he can give it, Clinton said he knows he must give back. And dealing with cancer? As financially and emotionally devastating as it has been and continues to be he said being forced to reprioritize has been rewarding. “I’m going to pick life over death,” he says laughing. “I was not born with an expiration date on my forehead.”