Rosey Lee is a local tennis instructor whose big heart and energetic personality led her to be nominated for Faces of Suwanee by her friend and daughter. Through her talent and caring personality, Rosey is committed to making a difference in her community and beyond.
What inspired you or led you to your current career?
I have been playing tennis since the age of 8 and fell in love with it. I got a scholarship to the University of Alabama in Birmingham and have been able to travel the country, playing in tournaments. I love coaching and kids and after injuring my shoulder, I decided that coaching is what I want to do for the rest of my life. If I can teach the sport and share my passion for it, people can learn and play forever! My dad is 89 years old and plays six times a week, and he didn’t start playing until he retired from work at 65. Tennis is about having fun, making friends and getting exercise. I love working with adults and kids and seeing them catch the bug of tennis!
I started Champ Tennis Academy 15 years ago to establish a group of aspiring tennis players who would train and then compete together. I decided to start a charity called Create the Big Pic 11 years ago, realizing that I especially wanted to help kids who are under-privileged as well as having the kids I coach be part of that, too. We started holding clinics in Atlanta and other areas where kids would have never had the opportunity to play and started raising money to hold what I call “field days” that include not only tennis, but other sports and activities. We joined forces with the friends of refugees school in Clarkston and had more than 300 kids come out! This has provided me with a sense of greater purpose and I love sharing that with my students as well.
We are holding our fourth annual Charity tennis event in August with an exhibition of professional players. We would like to spread the word and get more people involved and be part of the field days. We love making a difference and believe that the people who are involved feel good about our cause and how they contribute to it. We give to a variety of charities, from animal rescues to cystic fibrosis and others.
How has your business been affected by the pandemic?
We definitely had to adjust to having many more students. People came out of the woodwork to get outside and do something fun. It’s easy to stay socially distanced with tennis. I had to hire more coaches and redesign my drills to keep space between my students in order to keep them safe.
What is your favorite restaurant in Suwanee and what do you love there?
Tequila Mama is a favorite. The fried avocado is so good! I also love the atmosphere.
How long have you worked or lived in Suwanee?
I am originally from New Jersey and my family migrated here. I have lived in Suwanee since 2000.
What has kept you here?
I love the community here and raising my kids here. It’s nice to go into Riverside Elementary and know a lot of the teachers.
How big is your family?
I have a wife, four children, three rescue dogs, a bearded dragon and a fish.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Suwanee?
One of my students, Ali Jamal, who currently lives in Suwanee wrote an awesome book, Can-Do Real Estate. He is interested in learning about his past to present and how philanthropy plays a role in his current success.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I love hiking, so I would definitely like to do the two-week trek in Machu Picchu, Peru.
What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
I would say 101 Dalmatians.
What advice would you give a crowd of people?
I would say to be open to new experiences and meeting new people. I think we all have the tendency to be too guarded. Say no to nothing — except drugs!
What is something on your bucket list?
I want to set up tennis/sports camps in Africa and give kids there a chance to learn a sport.
If you could take anyone to lunch (dead or alive) who would that be?
Nelson Mandela or the Dalai Lama.
What is your favorite music? Name three bands you would like to see.
I love all types of music. I would love to have seen Bob Marley, The Cure and Missy Higgins.
What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Suwanee?
It would have to be Town Center Park. We have great memories there riding bikes, watching movies under the stars, concerts, festivals, etc.
What is your favorite thing about Suwanee?
I love the parks and trails. We bike ride and take the kids and dogs to some of the dog parks. We love the parks and recreation here.
Would you rather speak to a crowd of 500 or sing to a crowd of 50?
Definitely speak!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to still have a hand in my tennis academy. I have taught so many kids who are now grown and getting married. I hope I will be able to coach for many years to come. I hope my legacy will live on.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a shy person and sometimes feel socially awkward, but on the tennis court, I feel most alive and at home. I love what I do and would love to inspire more people to get involved. My students are my family.
