Eliana Hanna '22 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing tennis since I was 5 years old and have loved it ever since. The competitive aspect of tennis is the most enjoyable part for me because I have practiced and worked hard to finally show what I can do.

I have made many lifelong friendships through tennis, with not just the players but also their families. Tournaments, especially national events, have brought all us closer together. Even though we live far from each other, we are still able to talk every day and stay extremely close. Seeing my best friends at tournaments always makes my week and is another reason why tennis has greatly impacted my life.

Even though I do end up competing against my closest friends, no matter the outcome, we are always able to move past it. After our matches against each other win or lose, we are compassionate with one another. Of course it hurts to lose to one of your best friends, but we all support and comfort each other.

Tennis has not only introduced me to some of the most important people in my life, but also has taught me numerous life skills. Dealing with defeat, commitment, and time management are only three of the many skills this sport has introduced me to.

I also have played many national team events that have taught me what a true team should act like. These team events have been an amazing experience. A team needs to feel connected and has to bond to be able to succeed. I have learned that some of the best players are not fitted to play on a team, even if they do win every single match. Discovering this has encouraged me to go above and beyond to support my teammates, have a positive attitude all the time, and to always make my fellow peers feel like I am a reliable teammate.

I have also had the luxury of having a close relationship with college tennis players who have graduated from UCLA and USC. These inspiring women have taught me what it is to be a team player and they have shared their college experiences with me.

I am an organized individual, who can balance academics and tennis. I am very good about time management and have always maintained a 4.0 GPA. I hope to thrive during my college years, academically and athletically, although I have a rigorous tennis and academic schedule, I am always able to balance them sufficiently and I plan to do the same in college.