I began playing tennis at age 4. My dad was a high school tennis coach and I was always on the court. At first, it was a way to be with my dad. Soon, I started to be good at it.
My dad looked for the best coaches he could find to help me learn the game. I played all over the states and by age 15 I was ranked 56th in the country in the 18 and under category.
Tennis was really tough on our family though because it cost so much for training, for court time, for traveling to tournaments. We had a thought, that, maybe we should go to college early. I finished high school and I went on to college two years early to get match play and help me develop physically so I would be stronger.
I played for Oklahoma State, which is presently ranked 8th in the country for tennis, and I have now played four years of Division 1 tennis. I have won over 80 matches in my college career and am thankful for the experiences that I have had.
I will be ending my college career in May and going on tour for the next 3 years competing in professional tennis.
You start with a dream when you are little. You strive for greatness everyday. I am turning my career in tennis to a job competing at the highest level.
It takes 10 years and 10,000 hours perfecting a stroke to be a professional. I have put that work in.
In May I begin my work full-time, 8 hours a day, to be the best in the world. I have one shot at this. It takes 3-4 years to get into the top 100 on the professional tour. Yearly costs to compete at that level can be as high as $50,000-$100,000. You have housing, training, coaching and travel costs before you make any money.
Most people graduate and get a job. I am graduating and I am my own independent contractor. I need as much help as I can get and all I know for sure is that I will never, never, ever give up!! I will be the best in the world!!