Adrien Blackwell '20 Recruiting Profile

I began playing tennis during my freshman year of high school after spending all of the previous years since age 4 playing competitive soccer.  What I loved about tennis is that is was just me on the court, and the decisions that I made on the court would always determine the outcome of the match.  That level of personal accountability is what drives me to improve on a daily basis and always become the best tennis player that I can be.  Since my freshman year, I have played in over 90 matches and have been fortunate to have a winning percentage.  During my junior year in high school I received the award for Most Improved as I was able to increase my UTR from a low 5 to an 8.  The tournaments that I compete in on most weekends are fun and have greatly improved my skills, but it can't compare to my tennis experience in High School.  The camaraderie amongst the players is something that is hard to compare to anything else outside of my family.  We compete together, we compete against each other, we raise money together and spend free time having movie nights on the tennis courts or playing table tennis in my house.  That is a feeling that I hope to replicate as a collegiate student-athlete.  

In addition to tennis, I am part of my high school's competitive DECA team and have participated in business competitions at the Regional and State levels.  My goal this year is to progress all the way to Nationals and place in the top 3.   Competing in these business competitions allows for me to satisfy my passion for business development, and entrepreneurship.  Outside of school I enjoy producing music and posting them online for my friends and family to enjoy.  I also have a YouTube channel, Adrienplaystennis, where I upload my school and tournament matches.  

My ultimate goal is to be a collegiate student-athlete that is part of a great program.  I look forward to not only being strong component to the team, but also a leader that will transcend in all aspects of my college experience.