Foundation Set Up In Teammate’s Memory

Georgia Team Rebounds After Player’s Passing From epilepsy

By Andrews Meyers/USTA Southern Intern

If you would like to donate to
the Epilepsy Foundation in
Mark Zonneveld’s name,
click here.
 

USTA Georgia

Mark Zonneveld is remembered by
his teammates, below.

For captain Charles Darnell and the rest of the men’s 2.5 team from Georgia, winning States was a very bittersweet experience.

Their teammate, Mark Zonneveld, passed away on May 16, six days before the start of the Georgia 2.5 USTA League Championships. Mark was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, and it is listed as the cause of his death.

“It was tough losing Mark,” explained captain Charles Darnell. “Not only does everyone on the team work together, but we are all good friends.”

Even without their teammate, the team from Sharon Springs Park was able to advance through the state tournament without dropping a single match. In the final of the state tournament, Mark’s parents were able to come out to support their son’s team. “It was amazing to have Mark’s parents out there,” said Darnell, “It was great to have their support.”

Now the team is focusing on continuing their success at this tournament, and they will have Mark in their thoughts as they take to the courts. But, they now have a new goal still to accomplish.

“As a team, we want to help raise awareness about epilepsy,” Darnell explained. “We can share with others how we can help fight the disease.”

Mark’s sister, Andrea, has set up a fund to help raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation. So far, they have raised over $9,000, which has exceeded the $8,000 goal. Even though their goal has been met, donations are still encouraged.

Even though the Sharon Springs team is down a player, they have shown to still be a dominant force in the men’s 2.5 draw. So far they are undefeated in team play and have only dropped one court.