Brylin Staats '17 Recruiting Profile

Thank you for taking the time to review my profile.  I'm very excited about the opportunity to find a great fit with a college, coach, and team!  I'm a former Sweet Sixteen Champion in both singles and doubles, and #1 Ranked player in Missouri Valley.  I'm a very fierce competitor, and I've always been extremely hard on myself when it comes to my game and my matches.  When entering my first year of middle school, I felt that I needed to take a mental and physical break from competition.  I continued to play for fun, and went to tennis camps in the Summer, but did not compete in USTA tournaments for a period of 2 1/2 years.  I used this time to focus on school, family and friends.  As a freshman in high school, I made the varsity team and played #2 singles and #1 doubles.  I realized that I was now able to see my tennis with new perspective.  Stepping back and taking a break had allowed me to see that my tennis career is an on-going journey.  Now, instead of dwelling on the immediate results of one match or tournament, I'm able to appreciate the complete experience.  I'm still fiercely competitive - that will never change, haha - but I always try to appreciate the good moments, and learn from the bad, knowing that BOTH will help me grow as a player.  During my break from USTA competition, my rankings, obviously, became non-existent.  I recommitted myself to training and competing at the highest levels possible again in 2015.  I began to play USTA tournaments and went from being ranked 187th to 49th in Missouri Valley Girls 16's in a matter of months.  I'm now qualifying for top tournaments again, and hope to keep improving my ranking in 2016.  I love the game more than ever, and am very thankful to have it as such a huge part of my life.  I've been very fortunate to attend a top rated school in the Blue Valley School District, where academics are a top priority.  My parents have always helped me and my siblings find balance in our academic and athletic activities, and I've always maintained a good GPA.  I love math and science, and I look forward to majoring in education.  My goal is to be a high school teacher and tennis coach one day - I've had great role models in these areas, and hope to pay it forward!  Thank you, again, for your interest in my profile, and I hope to talk with you soon!