When and why did you start playing tennis?

I started when I was 7, and ever since then I have been playing competitively.

I liked the fact that it was a sport all by yourself and that you got to make the decisions.

 

How do you train during the off-season?

I have group practices two to three times a week, and then I have private lessons and usually just match play. During the lesson, we do point play, and we do conditioning. We play out different point scenarios and learn different tactics.

 

What do you like about tennis?

There are so many things. I like traveling to different states to compete. I like that I get to meet a lot of new people too. I have made a lot of connections, and I still get to talk to them. I also like the competitiveness of the sport.

 

Do you have any pregame rituals? How do you prepare before a match?

Usually I don’t talk at all and listen to music. I struggle with nerves a lot, and so I try not to overthink the match or anything like that. Once I get there, I’ll usually stretch or jump rope. I just don’t like to be around anyone.

 

What lessons have you learned from tennis?

You are out there all on your own. You learn to make quick decisions. You definitely need to stay positive. If you start being negative toward yourself, everything will go downhill for you.

 

What is the biggest competition you have been to?

The biggest title I won was during this past summer, in July. I went to Dallas, Texas for Regional, which is a national tournament. I was the only girl from Minnesota, and pretty much the entire tournament was Texas people. I ended up winning the whole tournament, and when I walked out everyone just stared at me like, “Who is this girl?” It was kind of funny, but it was such an amazing experience, and I am very thankful.

 

What do you wish to improve?

Probably my mental state. It has improved since I was little, but I still tend to talk myself down. If there is a girl I have not beaten, I will tell myself I cannot beat her. I need to overcome that and boost my self confidence. I need to believe in myself.