By 14 Vladimir Pavlov was ranked #17 in the nation and by 18 he was a tennis pro on the international circuit. But at 21 he quit the tournaments. He went home and signed on for an intensive six-year coaching program sponsored by the Czech Tennis Association. By 23 Vladimir had quit competition entirely.

He'd found something he liked better than life as a celebrity tennis player: coaching kids to become winners, both on and off the courts. Only one thing was missing. Vladimir dreamed of living in Southern California. How could he make his dream come true?

Strategy, daring and long-range planning would be required. Vladimir knew he'd need a good education. English, German, coaching and a Prague, Charles University law degree - his hedge against an uncertain future - were in the game plan.

Next, he'd need connections beyond the Eastern Bloc countries. While on the circuit touring Czechoslovakia, Austria, Germany, and Hungary the young tennis star initiated long-term correspondence with potential allies.

It took well over a decade to make his dream come true. But by 31, Vladimir was ready to attempt an escape worthy of a Cold War spy movie.

In order to avoid possible leaks to the secret police, he made his exit without warning relatives, friends or students. Then, hoping for tired end-of-shift guards, he aimed for a border crossing just before midnight.

It worked, but Vladimir says that the distance between the Czech guard station and the Austrian border was "the longest 200 yards of my life."

He spent 10 days in Austria before moving on to Germany, where he waited for the U.S. to accept him as political refugee. In Germany, Vladimir's correspondence and reputation paid off. He was immediately snapped up as a tennis coach.

When the U.S. finally approved political asylum, he immediately flew to LAX then on to Pasadena, where Vladimir knew there might be a coaching position at the prestigious Annandale Golf Club.

He got the job. And today he has his own business teaching children tennis in sunny Southern California. His dream has become a reality.

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