The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/916614
56 ■ THE WOLFPACKER WHEREARETHEYNOW? want to call me or go out sometime.' The rest is history." The couple has two children — Madi- son, age 26, and Jordan, 29. Madison at- tended College of Charleston and married former Florida and NFL wide receiver Da- vid Nelson last June. Sadri is proud that his son Jordan followed in his footsteps and graduated from NC State. He works for Sonic Automotive. "My daughter is having a baby boy, and I'm looking forward to teaching him how to serve," Sadri said. "My son has a good job." Sadri now teaches the next generation of tennis players from the age of 8 on up, plus tutors adults at the Russell Tennis Center in Charlotte. He also became an accom- plished golfer in his post-professional ten- nis playing career, recording a hole in one an amazing nine times. At least 10 tennis players that Sadri has mentored have become college players. "We have the adults in the morning and the students in the afternoon," Sadri said. "Parents should send their kids to me be- cause every day we are playing from 4 to 6. "I'm teaching the serve that J.W. taught me. It sounds like a rocket when it goes off. I'm really trying to make it fun because tennis is such a hard sport." Sadri didn't set out to bring tennis back into his life on a full-time basis following his retirement from the pro tour, but it has evolved organically. The fact that he can pass on what he's learned from coaches and experiences is not lost on him. The impact of Isenhour on his life also can't be overstated. Sadri claims he is a better person, father and now coach be- cause of his college mentor. "He meant so much to so many of us," Sadri said. "He wasn't just a coach who used you on the playing fields and then was done with you when you were gone. He really wanted to know how you and your family were doing. "He was one of the few people who vis- ited me in the hospital a bunch of times. He is really a caring guy." Sadri is appreciative of what he has been able to accomplish and the opportunities the sport of tennis presented him. "I've had a good life," Sadri said. "NC State is good at basketball and football. The tennis center at NC State has been named after my coach. "I have beat cancer twice. God has given me another chance." ■ Sadri (left with a student) now teaches tennis at the Russell Tennis Center in Charlotte. He works with players ages 8 and up and has taught at least 10 future collegiate players. PHOTOS COURTESY JOHN SADRI In June, Sadri (far left) watched his daughter Madison marry former NFL receiver David Nelson (center). Sadri's wife of 30 years Allison and son Jordan, who also graduated from NC State, joined them to pose for a family picture at the wedding. PHOTO COURTESY JOHN SADRI