A Young Newman

Newman's illustrious coaching career did not come by chance. His leadership and coaching prowess came from a background of resiliency and determination. Newman was born and raised in San Antonio, TX where the beginnings of his success emerged before he ever picked up a tennis racquet. Diagnosed with paralytic polio as a young child, the doctors told him his legs would not grow and he might never walk again. Miraculously, he recovered, and at age 11, he was released from the hospital. Desperate to play a sport and take advantage of his recovery, he started tennis - the only sport the doctors allowed him to. He developed into a top junior tennis recruit. By the time he was ready to play in college, he was one of the best in the nation for his age. He decided to play for Trinity University under the current coach at the time, Clarence Mabry.