Tennis can be quite lonely sometimes.
When I’m playing singles, it’s just me, my racquet and my opponent on the other side of the net.
But, even though it seems like an individual sport, I’ve always loved tennis because of the team environment.
Ever since I picked up a racquet at five years old, I’ve thrived off the support of my teammates.
When I’m on the court, I’m not just playing for myself.
At 16, I started to train and compete more properly.
I wanted to play in college, and even though it was over 5,000 kilometers away from home, one school felt right.
I fell in love with Oakland’s program for the same reason I fell in love with tennis: the team.
As I settle into my second season here, I can’t imagine playing anywhere else.
A few of my friends back in England decided to come to the U.S. to play tennis in college, and they had nothing but positive things to say about the experience.
When I started researching schools, I connected with an agent and spoke to a few coaches, and one of those coaches was David Brown from Oakland.
I had a conversation with him and immediately felt comfortable.
I knew a few British players who were on the team, and I just loved the fact that I would be playing for a program that I instantly felt close to.
I’m a very social person, so it was fun having a few people who I could relate to.
Finding that chemistry with my teammates off the court is so important.
Our team plays well together because we vibe so well socially.
Even though Oakland felt like the perfect place for me, starting college in a new country was crazy.
Everything in America felt new and different…and bigger!
The grocery stores and buildings are huge.
Even the serving sizes shocked me; I couldn’t believe how much food was on my plate the first time I visited Olive Garden with my dad.
Speaking of my dad, he is the drummer of Jethro Tull.
His music generally entertains a much older audience than me.
His band tours in America, so it was nice having him show me around the (much larger) roads.
My teammates were also encouraging and helped me adjust to my new world.
With their support, I found my new home so far away from my own.
My freshman season was so different because it was my first time in America.
I loved it, but it was definitely a transition year for me. I was just kind of getting used to it all.
But, now that I’m in my sophomore season, I feel so much more prepared to take everything on. I feel more comfortable with my coach, my teammates and just how competing in American college tennis feels.
I’m also excited to branch out on campus this year. I want to connect with athletes from different sports and grow my circle.
One of my biggest stories to-date is that I really got to enjoy doubles more.
Before I came to America, I definitely preferred singles.
But, my coach David Brown has really changed that for me.
I’ve started to understand the doubles dynamic so much more, and I love having someone else on the court with me.
Coach Dave is also helping me develop my drop shot for conference play.
Stay tuned for my progress on that one…
To anyone who may be considering playing a college sport in America, take the chance.
It may feel overwhelming and even a little scary, but, if you find the right school, the risk is worth it.
The opportunity to play a sport that you love and earn a great education at the same time is so unique.
The friendships you develop with your teammates in college are so valuable.
And, even if you’re playing singles in tennis, you’ll never truly compete alone.
