Teleya Blunt '22 Recruiting Profile

My family follows the philosophy that diversity in interests and sports is a good thing despite the trend of specializing in one sport early on.  I had people tell me many times that I needed to pick one thing in order to be successful.  COVID shutdowns highlighted the benefits of my philosophy.  While I couldn't be on the courts or  on the soccer field with my teammates, my brothers and I ran my track workouts in the street in front of our house.  I got to spend extra time water coloring, and working on my violin pieces for String Orchestra.  I am adaptable and can find ways to grow no matter the circumstances.  I spent six years in Costa Rica between the ages of 8 and 14 and the experience of being different, moving, and being in a school where friends came and went helped me become resilient and flexible.  My adaptability shows on the court when my mindset, hitting and fitness coaches all say they love how coachable I am.  The key for my progress so far and the way that I will improve my UTR and standings in the next two years is my ability to change and adapt to my opponents during  a match, to the stoppages in Southern California sports, and to any other challenges that arise.  

I like playing team sports like soccer where we really work together for every point, but what drives me in tennis and makes it my primary sport is having to depend on myself and the tools I have to win each point in a match.   Last year I was one half of my High school's #1 doubles team which actually combines the best of both sports worlds--individual play and working as a team.  Quick decision making and talking to one another on the court make doubles a lot of fun.   My partner was a freshman. Getting to know her and learning to play together by using each of our strengths to our advantage was just another way of adapting. I am looking forward to being a part of a college tennis team where both my skills and my adaptability will strengthen the program.