Gabriella Mazzeo '25 Recruiting Profile

In the words of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, “If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.”  At the age of 5, I picked up a tennis racquet, and in that moment,  I remember falling in love with the game.  It wasn’t like when my parents forced me to play soccer.  Let’s face it, everyone’s parents made them play soccer.  I hated soccer.  I love tennis because the ball is always coming to me.  I determine whether or not I am going to come out a winner or not.  Well, Sometimes! Sometimes I play my best, but my opponent is just better than me! Truth be told, when I was 8 years old I remember I could care less whether I won or lost, I just wanted to play.  As I grow older, and compete more frequently, I know winning doesn’t come easy. It takes preparation, focus, a solid work ethic and drive, to become a better player, and I will continue to put in the work to give me the best shot at competing in college.

 I dream big, and continue to do so. While my dreams certainly center on tennis, they also tend to focus on achievement in the classroom. I believe both tennis and education are two focuses that will continue to open doors for me in life. When I was younger, school was very difficult for me.  Reading was a struggle and I consistently made “unforced errors.” While I continually hit ‘cross-court winners’ and “painted lines” when it came to math and science. However, I equated this to having a strong forehand, but a lacking backhand.  It wasn’t until 7th grade that I would be diagnosed as dyslexic.  I always knew something was different, and like tennis strokes, I just needed to put the work in and focus on becoming a better student.  Today, I don’t let my dyslexia define me, and what was once thought as weakness (lacking backhand) is now considered an equal strength. I will never let dyslexia stop me from accomplishing what I have always wanted to do.

From everything I experienced, I know I would like to use my strength in math and science together and my love of fitness and work in either the exercise science or physical therapy field.  I want to work with all athletes and help them realize their dreams, wherever it may take them. 

I am confident that my talents, work ethic, and focus will be assets to your university, both on the court, and in the classroom.