When did you realize college tennis was something you wanted to pursue, and what pushed you to go for it?

I always wanted to play a sport in college from a young age. Whatever I was doing, I wanted to compete at a high level. Around 14, I became fully focused on tennis and decided I wanted to pursue it in college.

My family played a huge role in that decision. My parents have always been supportive, but they also expected me to work hard and compete because of the sacrifices they were making. That helped instill a strong work ethic in me at a young age. My coach, Jimmy Mendieta, also pushed me to be my best and always believed I could play at the next level.

What’s one thing that helped you the most in getting to the college level?

One of the biggest factors was having great coaches and strong players to train with. I was fortunate to practice alongside high-level players—four of whom went on to play college tennis—under Coach Jimmy Mendieta at Prestwick Tennis Club.

Outside of tennis, I spent a lot of time weightlifting with my brother and dad, and doing speed and agility work with Terrance Butler. Combining high-level tennis training with strength, speed, and conditioning is what really helped set me apart.

What surprised you the most about the jump from junior tennis to college tennis?

The biggest surprise was how much louder and more energetic college tennis is compared to juniors. The atmosphere is intense and competitive—it caught me off guard at first, but it’s something I’ve really come to love.

What habits or routines made the biggest difference in your development as a player?

Consistency and discipline made the biggest difference—training 5–6 days a week, getting in the gym regularly, and prioritizing recovery.

Recovery work like cupping, e-stim, and band work helped me continue to improve while staying healthy and avoiding injuries that could have set me back.

What advice would you give younger players in our area who dream of playing college tennis one day?

Believe in yourself and work hard—there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. Just as important, enjoy what you’re doing. It’s much easier to push through tough moments when you love the game.

I truly love competing, and that feeling is what motivates me every day.