Kelsey Smith '22 Recruiting Profile

I became interested in this sport from my little sister, believe it or not. I was a gymnast for 10 years and towards the end, I was ready to move on to another sport. This is when my sister came up begging me to play Tennis, and 7 years later I am playing the sport that has influenced and taught me so much more than gymnastics would have ever done. There are several things that have influenced and taught me about perseverance and how to stay positive in difficult situations, whether it be everyday life or competing in tennis.  For example, my aunt, who I was very close to,  died of cancer in late 2012 and not even 6 months later my house was destroyed in an Oklahoma tornado. These situations have made me a better tennis player because they have taught me to never give up.  I have learned so much about hard work and dedication from playing Tennis. I have learned how to control my emotions not only in tournaments but in everyday life situations. I am always trying to improve, not only for myself but for my peers as well. I make sure that they feel included and apart of the team no matter what. One goal I have for myself is to do well athletically and academically so that I am accepted into a Physical Therapy program.