Nikki Okenka '22 Recruiting Profile

Tennis has always and always will be the part of me that never fails to make me happy. I started my journey of playing tennis when I was four years old. Growing up that was all I ever wanted to do, when I turned eleven I started homeschooling throughout middle school to play more often and compete more seriously. Since my parents origin in from Europe, every summer we'd go up there and I'd play tournaments there as well. Im so thankful for that experience because it has taught me so much about the game and other athletes like me around the world. Im so glad I got the best of both worlds of practices from different coaches around the world. It has taught me different strategies I now use in my game and has helped me set goals for myself like the amount of tennis I play and increasing my conditioning in the gym. I eventually made the decision to go back to regular high school to get to be a part of a tennis team. The team has taught me what it is like to be a part of something greater. Ive learned so many things about teamwork but most importantly Ive had a blast the past four years! Being the #1 on my team has been such an honor because it has taught me leadership skills. Im so grateful for that experience and can not wait to start a new journey with my future team in college! I think I can bring passionate energy to my future team and can not wait to be a part of something big!