Railey Richardson '20 Recruiting Profile

I began playing tennis some in grade school and started taking lessons and joined the middle school team.  By my freshman year, I played 3rd singles for my Varsity team. Summers I attend FSU tennis camp and continue to take lessons from our local club coaches.  Tenacity is part of my DNA.  I have suffered with health issues in 2017 causing my freshman grades to suffer, but I just don't quit. I transferred to Thomas County Central High where my grades have been A's and B's mostly.  I have taken some college level courses through Move On When Ready and have done well. Due to the transfer and eligibility issues, I played for the JV team my sophomore year.  Coach Slaughter expects me to be first singles on the Varsity as a junior and I cannot wait for that level of competition. Tennis at a collegiate level has been a dream of mine for a long time.

I have been told my backhand is my strongest stroke and I volley well.  Assessing my opponent's game is also a strength.  I study them and quickly find where they are struggling and play on that. Recently in a tournament, I found myself in the final set and broke my toe returning a tough shot. I continued to play through it to win the match.  I just don't give up. 

My coaches like that I am coachable and driven.  I always strive to be the best on and off the court.  I am part of my church youth praise team and I am involved with a local group of youth that serve in the community.  Most recently, we served meals to low income families on Thanksgiving Day.  I also serve with Hands On Thomas County and Project Backyard.  We do projects with the local food bank and I collect personal care items and hand out to children in poverty. I am involved in the local Troupe Music and Drama Group.  We perform two shows each year.  I have also had the opportunity to volunteer in my school with the Special Ed events, most recently their school dance.  In doing this, I have found one more area of interest to pursue.  Being able to be involved in my community, while maintaining my grades and doing the sport I love shows I am a well rounded student athlete. 

My hope is to be a role model in all that I do. I love tennis and would love the opportunity to represent my college while obtaining a degree.  My dad is a Vascular Surgeon and I have often thought of training in medicine or potentially working with special education.  I have yet to decide on my major, but I am certain about one thing and that is tennis.  I am open to all options and want to find the best fit with a high level of competition.