Mahayla DeLong-Jones '25 Recruiting Profile

Hey there, Coaches!  I'm Mahayla DeLong-Jones.  Ever since I can remember I've always lead with determination and passion. When I first held a racquet, I was 4 years old and my coach said I had a gift and that I was a natural.  My dad took that to mean that I was somehow a tiny prodigy professional player and took me out to the courts to play, even though he doesn't know how to, and starting hitting hard balls at me, causing me to run after and pick up balls all day.  As soon as I returned to my mom's house, I told her I didn't like tennis anymore.  When she asked why, I told her that I felt like a puppy dog chasing after balls my dad was throwing at me, not to me.  She understood and enrolled me in swim lessons and gymnastics the next week.  I ended up being a competitive gymnast for 6 years, which taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.  Furthermore, my journey as a competitive gymnast developed my unwavering determination and unyielding work ethic.  In addition to sports and school, I've been into acting since I was five, which has also enhanced my creativity and instilled confidence.  These traits have shaped me into a resilient and dedicated individual, always willing to go the extra mile for myself and my teammates.  My experience in acting has deepened my sense of strategy, adaptability, and furthered my ability to perform confidently under pressure.  I believe these qualities, along with my diversity in athleticism, make me a valuable asset to any team, both on and off the court.

In terms of tennis, my mom and I went to play tennis for fun in the beginning of 7th grade and I remembered how much I loved the sport.  Immediately afterwards, I asked my mom if I could get back into tennis.  Since she couldn't afford both sports, I had to choose between gymnastics and tennis.  I had already grown over 3 inches and since my dad is 6'3", I knew that if I continued to grow at that rate, gymnastics would be out for me shortly, so I took the leap of faith and made the bold decision to pursue the first sport I always loved, tennis!  It started with a week-long summer camp, turned into lessons, and then tried out for my High School team my Freshman year and made JV.  I've played competitively for 4 years and the last 2 years have been on Varsity.  After daily tennis practices, I take it one step further and go to another tennis court to work on additional drills and practicing alternative approaches in order to better hone my skills and shots.  I understand the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and communication because as a tennis player it is not only an individual sport but also relies heavily on the support and encouragement of teammates.  I believe in fostering an inclusive and positive team environment, where everyone feels valued and motivated to achieve their best.

Academically, I am driven by a personal desire to never stop learning and continuing to grow in every aspect of life.  School has always been a place where I feel that knowledge is limitless and have recognized that I thrive when taking on new subjects, such as AP Psychology.  I am eager and excited to embrace a rigorous academic program in college that will push me to grow and expand my knowledge in new/varying ways.  I firmly believe that a well-rounded education is crucial for personal, professional, and athletic development!  I am committed to excelling both in the classroom and on the court.  Fostering and having a strong team bond is the foundation for a successful tennis program and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to a positive team culture that your program fosters.  I am eager and ready to bring my passion, dedication, and unique skill set to your program!