Who Plays on Court One

Charles Vidor Simon is the main character of Who Plays on Court One, the story of a tennis team. Charles questions Coach Dick Green’s style of teaching and coaching—so different from that of his hard-driving father, Elek Simon—and the lifestyle of some of his tennis mates. He faces financial challenges and emotional threats as he begins his sophomore year in college. Three women influence his life: his gentle mother; Jane Fine, a friend; Sara Meekins, the love interest.

One of his teammates becomes his tormentor. Another asks not to be paired with him during an important match. His roommate Earl seeks to protect him. Chuck’s experiences promote growth. Encouraged by Coach Green, chastised by Sara, he struggles to become self-accepting and more comfortable in relationships.

Learn who plays on court one; how a diverse group prove Coach Green’s belief that tennis is a team sport.

Sybil Austin Skakle was born on January 10, 1926 in Hatteras, North Carolina. She graduated from Hatteras High School in 1943 and was awarded BS Pharmacy degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1949. She was employed as a hospital pharmacist for 23 years.

She retired in 1990 and began to write and publish books: 2001, Searchings, a book of poetry; 2002, Confessions of an Outer Banks Filly, stories of growing up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina; 2009, Valley of the Shadow, a journey through grief. Her latest book was published in April 2014 named What Came Next, a memoir.

She was a church-school teacher, a volunteer for her church choir and a local non-profit entertainment group. She enjoys traveling, music, reading, and people. She was widowed in 1980; her three sons are grown now. She worked and wrote for love of word and expression.