David Zhang '18 Recruiting Profile

As an athlete, getting injured is the worst!  Throughout my tennis career, I’ve encountered numerous injuries, such as golfer’s elbow, shoulder strains, back injuries, wrist sprains, and a fractured arm. Confounded, I’ve always wondered to myself, why do I always get injured? I consistently stretch, exercise, and ice my body. Regardless of my injuries potentially hindering my tennis skills, it has taught me a lot of things about tennis and myself. I’ve learned lessons of sacrifice, mental toughness, and teamwork, but what I learned that stood out to me the most was the idea of being free, which meant not focusing on the outcome or what my opponent did or how good he was, but rather focus on my skills and on my plan. Gained through hours of tough training and numerous tournaments, this knowledge has not only led me to become a solid tennis player despite my injuries, but has also led me to break through an immense mental barrier. I’m currently looking for a program that is good academically and puts a lot of emphasis on athletics. With my work-ethic, confidence, skills, and determination, I believe that I can create a positive environment and be a valuable competitor for your team.