Hannah-Joy Simms '18 Recruiting Profile

Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a ballerina. I admired their pointed toes, perfect posture, refined elegance and I yearned to one day dance professionally, engulfed in the scintillating floodlights of the large stage, and receive a sea of red roses tossed from the roaring crowd at my feet as they screamed “encore!”. However, that dream was quickly pushed aside when I saw two vigorous forces vehemently dominating the sport of tennis. The Williams’ sisters, they were called. They were two young African American sisters who captivated the attention of the world with every Grand Slam title they won. I continued to watch Serena and Venus, my body situated in front of the television, the iridescent glow from the screen radiating a blue sheen across my awe-struck expressions. The more I watched- seeing their powerful strokes blaze across the court with cunning accuracy, their natural athleticism, and extreme work ethic- the more I desired to be like them, the image of myself in toe shoes and frilly skirts now seeming bizarre. I could not imagine myself being anything else other than a tennis player- racquet in hand, feet in tennis shoes, always on the court.

I don’t remember the exact age I picked up my first tennis racquet or the first time I stepped onto the hardened asphalt of the hard courts, but I can vividly recall the hour drive from my home to one of the four poorly maintained courts on the island which resided in the heart of a slum, my scrawny arms carrying the two crates filled with pale green balls out of my father’s truck onto the fissured surface of the court, and the noticeable improvement of my game. Eventually, as the court began to dwindle away to protruding rocks and fading lines, and the community that encircled it grew more and more dangerous, I began practicing on courts that were located closer to my home- only a ten-minute drive-that were both nicer and safer. It was on these courts where I really developed my game- training with more intensity, playing matches against those with more experience and skill than me and each day getting better and better. It was on these courts where I experienced a zenith of confidence in my game, but it was also on these courts where I experienced the most pain.

At the age of thirteen, I was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, the curvature of the spine. In the beginning, while the curve was at its emergence, it seemingly had no effect on my game, the only annoyance of the diagnosis being the monthly trips to various doctors and the uncomfortable brace I was constrained to wearing throughout my days. However, as I got older, the curve progressively continued to get worse and playing my favorite sport began to become an excruciating experience. Routine aspects of tennis such as forehands and serves were now limited, the intensity and duration I played now dictated by my condition, stifled by my pain.

However, I refused to allow scoliosis to determine my future in tennis. I worked vigorously to strengthen my back muscles and began a regimen of daily stretches and although the curve has not improved and playing tennis is still extremely painful, I will not quit the sport I love. Many times the pain is too unbearable to continue and I find myself sidelined; however, my determination to play often exceeds my limitations and I find myself pushing through the pain, refusing to stop.

My journey playing tennis while simultaneously battling with scoliosis has been filled with ups and downs. However, my determination to continue playing tennis has remained the same, if not increased. Four years ago when the doctor told me that I would not be able to play tennis due to the severity of my condition, my eyes narrowed with determination and I told him that one day he would see me on television holding up a Grand Slam title. From a young age, I have frequently been told by numerous coaches of my stubbornness when it comes to getting what I want on the court or field and my refusal to accept anything less than my best. And as I continue the journey of my tennis career, preparing for college, I aspire to continue to improve my game, my strokes, my mentality and my strength to prove not only to others but mostly to myself that I can be a great tennis player even with my condition. A professional career is definitely an aspiration of mine, but I have learned to take life day by day and in the mean time I will continue to work hard, give 110 percent and to never give up.