Isaac Nelson '24 Recruiting Profile

I’ve always been completely obsessed with tennis. I was homeschooled through my freshman year of high school and took some lessons with a local coach. One of the factors that helped me decide to attend public school sophomore year was that it would allow me to play competitive tennis. Over the winter, I joined the wrestling team on a whim, won my first three varsity matches without prior experience, and lost 40 lbs of fat. When the spring season came, I was excited to start tennis. I fell short of varsity and played doubles at first JV. I ended the season 0-10, which elevated my motivation and dedication to the sport. In the off-season, I took private lessons with a pro in my area and played every chance I got. I served hoppers of balls for an hour or more on my own. In the winter, I wrestled again, ended the season with a winning record, and dropped another 25 lbs of fat. I earned the second singles spot and finished 10-10 in my Junior year. Next year I have big plans for first singles and then the NCAA.

My first year of competing taught me how hard it would be to get where I wanted to be. I realized that it would take time to comprehend the fundamentals and complexities of the sport. Losses are valuable teachers; it’s easier to move on once you understand that. Once I moved on from a loss, I would learn from my mistakes and play better next time. I’m looking for a college program that will push me to elevate my level through my teammates, coaches, and opponents. I am also looking for an environment where I can pursue academic excellence. I want to pursue a degree in Sport Management/Administration that can help me run my own club to help others experience the same love I have for the sport of tennis.