Tuesday, November 18, 2014

College Tennis: Keep it rolling! A letter to anyone wanting to play college tennis...D1 isn't the only option!


**This letter is from one of my favorites...Anna O'Connor Norris grew up in Tuscaloosa and learned the game of tennis at Indian Hills.  She played tennis for Tuscaloosa Academy and won numerous singles, doubles and team state championships.  A hard worker, good student and great leader, Anna pursued her dream of playing college tennis at Washington and Lee University...here is her story.
Dear IHCC Winners,
I am one of you, a former IHCC tennis groupie that basically lived on the courts.  After my high school days at TA (and multiple tennis state championships), I played college tennis at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA (Division III).  During my four years there, we finished top 5 in the nation each year.  Our #1 player was a nationally ranked player from Florida that trained with former pro Jennifer Capriati.  Our #2 player played on the pro circuit for bit after college.  I played #2 doubles and #4 singles.  All of my teammates loved and still love the game!  Bring it.
Keith asked me to comment on my college tennis experience and why playing tennis at any level is a major accomplishment. 
Let me start by saying every time I have been asked about my background from a non-college athlete and mention that I played college tennis, the reaction is always the same.  It’s not:  “Where did you play?”  It’s never: “Was it a D1 school?”   It’s always: “Wow, that’s awesome.  You must be a gifted athlete.  I wish I could have played a sport in a college!” 
When asked by a former college athlete, I always get a reaction that indicates we are part of an elite, exclusive society followed by a of sharing fond memories and cool stories from our college days.
My tennis career made me who I am today and gave me my best friends, vast professional network, hilarious van ride stories, unwavering work ethic, fierce competitive spirit in everything I do, a chance to travel and experience places I never would have, proven leadership skills, ability to stay in shape and have fun doing it, the thrill of crushing an overhead (still awesome), and a tight collection of music playlists still in use today (most important).
I simply cannot measure the maturity; bonding; and lifetime of skills, memories and relationships that emerged from my amazing junior, high school and college tennis experiences. 
I am now a strategy consultant living in Manhattan Beach, CA (a fun beach suburb of Los Angeles with lots of tennis).  I was originally hired by a college tennis player and have subsequently hired many tennis players (clearly the best candidates)!  Come visit, and we can run four ball drills together! 
Let me ask each of you this question.  If given the opportunity to play tennis at any level anytime anywhere, why wouldn’t you?  We love this game! #winnersaremadenotborn

Anna O'Connor Norris
310-623-7054 – feel free to reach out to me
P.S. Keith is awesome and cares about each of you!  Enjoy every moment with him and all things IHCC tennis.