Darryl Strawberry Inspires Valley Men Ahead of Father's Day; Tennis Community Honors Beloved Coach

Hundreds of men gathered at Wellspring Church on Saturday morning to hear a message of faith, leadership, and perseverance from Major League Baseball legend Darryl Strawberry.

The four-time World Series champion with the New York Mets and New York Yankees spoke to men of all ages just one day before Father's Day, sharing lessons from his personal struggles with addiction and his journey toward faith and redemption.

Strawberry said his goal was not only to tell his story but to encourage fathers and men to become stronger leaders within their families.

"God really loves them and cares about them," Strawberry said. "Life has a purpose for them and their family. He wants to make you the head over your situation so you don't lose your kids to this world."

Wellspring Church Senior Pastor Ricky Jenkins said bringing Strawberry to speak was an easy decision because of the credibility and life experience he brings.

"He's played with some of the most famous players ever and is one of the most famous players ever," Jenkins said. "Nobody has more credibility to tell us what life is all about. We want people to be encouraged and inspired by a story of being at the top, falling to the bottom, and finding a way through it."

Tennis Community Celebrates Life of Gordon Zawtun

Also on Saturday, the Love and Love Tennis Foundation hosted a youth tennis clinic that doubled as a memorial celebration for longtime Coachella Valley tennis coach Gordon Zawtun.

Zawtun, who passed away in April, spent more than four decades coaching young athletes throughout the valley. During his career, he helped hundreds of students improve their game and earn college tennis scholarships.

Nearly 100 young players and their families attended the clinic, which featured tennis instruction, pizza, and opportunities to share memories of Zawtun's lasting impact both on and off the court.

Foundation leaders said Zawtun's passion for teaching extended far beyond tennis, helping shape the lives of countless young people through mentorship and life lessons.

USA Clinches Group D in International Soccer Tournament

In international soccer, Team USA received some good news after Paraguay defeated Türkiye 1-0 on Friday night. The result eliminated Türkiye A from advancing to the Round of 32 and officially secured first place in Group D for the United States.

The Americans will now face a third-place team in the opening knockout round. Before that, Team USA will conclude group play Thursday against Türkiye in its final group-stage match.