Ana María Hernandez '18 Recruiting Profile

In life, I have adopted the motto of "no excuses" by one of the most loved Tennis Player, Serena Williams. This has changed the way I think as a student, athlete, and person. My Tennis journey has been a long one but I have earned a varsity position on my high school team as a singles player for 4years, also was named captain. Not only have I played in school but also was on a USTA eastern team called the All Stars and was 2ndsingles. I am a fast learner and am very disciplined as a team member. I have been able to balance time with my academics and theextracurricular activities such as soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball and non-athletic clubs(the newspaper club, SADD,Leadership Development,YOLO and many more). My current goals in college are to enjoy the most I can, absorb the most knowledge, as well as be an example an image for the college as a student-athlete. My goal in college academically would is to finish in the top 10 percent of my class. Throughout High School, there were many obstacles that could have derailed my progress but I am better because of them. I had a hard time throughout my years in high school due to losses of loved ones, and currently the governmental issue on what is going to happen to DACA students. I realized that the world is repleted with a wide range of surprises that one may least suggest what may happen and all one can do is prepare for it or learn from it. I am a DACA student and I lived in this country since the age of 1. I’ve seen friends and families become from separated their loved ones, friends and/or family who had to go back. People have suffered economically and would just try to live with the little they may have left. “Bent to earth and went to work "is probably a very well said line in Blas Manuel de Luna poem about a boy who seen families be separated, modeling only one story of many of undocumented people. The meaning of this last line of the poem is how throughout all the things and problems one may go through outside of their workplace people are bent to a contact of responsibilities that all they can do is have to go to work like nothing happened. This is a common nightmare that all undocumented have of having to lose their loved ones to gain the freedom, ability to receive an educational experience for free and having the ability to work benefits.As part of an undocumented family, we as a whole have looked to help others who have been affected by easing money and helping them privately with better job opportunities as well.This poem has taught me that I’m not alone and responsibly enjoy my time. I have grown and matured due to them and learned how to deal with adversity. Thanks to coaches and teachers that have taught me how to channel my emotions and energy to tennis to better my play and elevate my game.  
 
Many of the people have looked down upon me and underestimate my ability to compete on the court. It is very satisfying competing and winning a match as a Spanish player when the stereotypical sport to play would be soccer. I no longer pay it any attention to that because my ability, knowledge of the game, and sheer determination overshadow any doubt. All of the negativity that I have faced to this point has taught me a confidence that opponents can feel when I step on the court. Tennis has taught me so much in life and I could not be happier that I persevered and stuck with playing this incredible sport that I love.