Austin Tennis Academy Coach Shaimaa Elsisi came to the United States more than 19 years ago to play college tennis armed with the hope of one day becoming a permanent resident in this country. Now, thanks to help from Coach Newman and ATA, one of her biggest dreams has finally come true.

“A lot of people in the United States don’t recognize just how lucky they are to live in this country,” said Coach Shaimaa. “Living here is amazing and now I don’t ever have to leave.” Just before the arrival of the new year, Coach Shaimaa received her official Green Card, the immigration document which allows her to live in the U.S. permanently and opens the pathway to citizenship.

“Receiving my green card was one of the happiest days of my life. It means everything,” said Coach Shaimaa. While her home country is Egypt, after originally coming to the U.S. on a student Visa, she’s not been able go back to visit family or leave this country for any reason for the past 13 years; receiving a green card changes that. Coach Shaimaa can now legally travel to dozens of other countries, including Egypt, without fear of not being allowed back into the U.S.

The immigration process is not easy and can take a lot of time. In fact, Coach Shaimaa’s hopes for getting a green card had been dashed several times over the years, but she never gave up and kept believing the right opportunity would present itself one day. “He didn’t hesitate when I asked him to sponsor me in my efforts to obtain a green card,” said Coach Shaimaa. “Coach Newman is always helping. He’s always trying to make sure everyone who works for him is okay.”

“Supporting Coach Shaimaa was an easy yes when she asked.” said Jack Newman, Owner and CEO of Austin Tennis Academy. “She’s a great part of our community. She’s put in the hard work; she’s sacrificed. She demonstrates the right character traits I want our students to see. She has a great attitude and provides wonderful service to her clients and members of the ATA community. It’s only right to pour into her.”

Saying yes meant Newman/ATA provided financial support with providing an immigration attorney and with the U.S. government. “That’s just time and money. I didn’t consider her request a big deal,” said Newman. Coach Shaimaa isn’t the first coach who worked for ATA that Newman sponsored in their quest for a green card. ATA and Newman provided the same kind of support for Estevam Strecker.

Within the tennis industry, ATA is not only seen as one of the best junior academies in the country, but also as a rare and special place. Coach Newman says he’s often asked about how he does things differently at ATA, and his answer reveals one of his strongest beliefs. “It’s critical to take care of the people who make your business successful,” said Newman. “It’s easier to retain good talent than it is to attract new. How we pay, train, and treat our employees is all part of an effort to keep them for as long as we can.”

Coach Newman comes from a family of immigrants; he was the first to be born in the United States. He believes it’s important to recognize and support immigrants, including those within his own staff. “Becoming a permanent resident, and ultimately a U.S. citizen is important to Coach Shaimaa and her family for a lot of different reasons.” said Newman. “The resulting return is going to be off the charts. It’s a win win.” The way Coach Shaimaa sees it, Coach Newman and ATA made a dream come true.