Ja’Nayah Pickens '22 Recruiting Profile

            My tennis career started off slow. I would take lessons once a week, just to see if I liked it. As a 7^th grader, I played junior high tennis on an 8^th grade level. I did not get serious until freshman year of high school. That’s when I started taking privates and playing USTA. I played fall varsity tennis and then in the Spring, I was freshman district champ. Meanwhile that is where it all started, several high school coaches were telling me how successful I was at high school tennis and play tennis at the college level, if I kept working hard. So that is what I did, I trained and trained, played and played. I would train hard in the summer and play many matches during the Fall and Spring seasons. I want to play college tennis because it is an opportunity for me to expand my tennis knowledge further and for me to play the game that whether I win or lose; I feel accomplished; that I dedicated myself to every point, game, match, and set.

            Not only on the court but in the classroom, I put in the work. In school I strive for all As and I almost always succeed. My teachers find me easy to teach, since I can pick up information quickly. Same thing goes for my coach-ability. I am able teachable and able to adjust things right away. I am an easy-going person; I get along with everyone and I do not cause any trouble. I am a pretty like-able person; I am a cheerleader and I am in the National Honor Society at my school where I am devoted to learning and providing support for others.

            Whether it is academically or athletically, I would love to go to a school that offers dual acceptance into law or medical school. I would like to attend a Division II at the highest level, that will offer scholarships for both academics and athletics.  A college that’s fit for me is one that can elevate my tennis game as well as set forth my career goals.