Hannah Lewis '25 Recruiting Profile

When I was 9 years old, I moved to California, and my mom offered to let me play any sport (or instrument or hobby) that I'd like to try. At the time, I chose tennis - mostly because I was curious about it, and it seemed like it might be fun. We found a really great coach (who is still one of my private coaches), who encouraged my love of the sport, and it turned out that I had a talent for it, as well. Five years later, I made varsity tennis as a freshman at my high school, but I had played in only one tournament before my first varsity season started. I spent my freshman year "failing forward". It was trial by fire and a character-building-experience. It wasn't pretty, and it was a huge learning curve. I put in a lot of time and energy in the off season - tournaments, practices, strategy, and hitting sessions - and my sophomore season was significantly more successful as far as wins and losses, but what has meant the most to me has been the compliments I've received from coaches, tournament directors, opponents, and even my opponents'' parents, on my tennis etiquette. While internally, I may be battling, I remain cool and calm on the court; I don't get flustered easily, and I strive not only to maintain a positive attitude, but also to develop camaraderie with my teammates and opponents so that the sport remains fun for all of us. 

While I started playing tennis because I was curious about it, it has turned into a passion. I love the sport; I love playing on a team, building each other up and encouraging each other - and even competing with one another to make each other better. I love challenging myself and learning something new on the court every single day, and I love finishing a match or a practice and knowing that I have given it my very best and that no matter the result, I'll come back again the next day, smarter and better.