Manilla continues family tradition

By Ryan Yemen Daily Progress correspondent
Published: May 15, 2008

Anyone who knows Joey Manilla isn’t too surprised that the sophomore is the No. 1 player for the Western Albemarle boys tennis team.
To say that tennis is in the Manilla family’s blood is an understatement.
“I watched both my brothers play here,” Joey said. “To get to play on the same court, it’s a really big deal for me. And it’s also why I’ve got a lot to live up to.”
Joey’ father, Ron, is the head tennis pro at the Boar’s Head Inn Sports Club. Joey’s older brothers, Dom and Danny, not only were No. 1 players for Western, but they both also played for Old Dominion, where Dom is now an assistant coach. Even older sister Anna did her part by taking the court for the Warriors.
Playing in the top spot is hard enough without the pressure of living up to your last name. Certainly more pressure than most 16-year olds are used to.
“It’s weird, because normally most number ones are captains of the team,” Joey said. “But I’m one of the younger guys — not necessarily the leader.”
So far this season, though, Joey’s age has been a moot point.
“My greatest strength is my mentality,” Joey said. “When I get on the court, I don’t bring anything with me. I just don’t think about anything.”
Western is 18-0 on the year and Joey has won all 15 matches he’s played in.
“He’s mentally well ahead of what I would consider a sophomore on a high school tennis team,” said Western coach Charles Ix. “When he’s going on that court, it doesn’t matter who he’s facing, he’s expecting a win.”
Ix attributed the sophomore’s short memory as a key to his success.
“He rarely gets upset on the court and keeps his composure,” Ix said. “If he starts out poorly he knows he can get out of it. He’s got that mental tenacity. I don’t know if you learn that, or if it just clicks at some point.”
It’s a trick that came in handy against Monticello this past week. Down 0-2, Manilla flipped the switch and rallied to win his match 10-3 to maintain his perfect record.
To have every member of his family play competitive tennis has been a dream come true for Manilla’s dad.
“I just feel really lucky,” Ron said. “A lot of kids don’t end up doing what their fathers do.”
Despite Ron’s occupation, tennis was never forced on his kids. Each one of them began playing of their own volition.
“It’s funny because I never pushed them to play,” Ron said. “I’d say that if anything, I’m guilty of pushing them elsewhere.”
Nonetheless, having a club pro for a father has its advantages.
“I gave him the basics of the game and he’s developed from there,” Ron said. “If there’s ever anything he’s having trouble with we’ll go out and hit and work things out.”
Last season, Joey — then a freshman — and the rest of the Warriors brought home the state title.
“My brothers never made it out of regionals, so I have those bragging rights,” Joey said.
With the Region II playoffs lurking around the corner, it will be another opportunity for Joey to crawl out of those long shadows his family casts and make a name for himself. He’s certainly already well on his way.