Senior Athlete Spotlight: Women’s Tennis Allison Paul

Sport: Tennis

Most Memorable Moment: The endless memories I made freshman year with my tennis family in Hilton Head, SC.  When we weren’t busy dominating on the tennis courts during the day, we rented bikes and rode around the island visiting local restaurants and shops. Every night, we would have dinner as a team.  No matter how dysfunctional we may have been, I loved them all.  I became so close and connected with the members of my team, transforming us from a team to a family.

What I Will Miss the Most: It won’t be winning.  Although this feeling is amazing, I will miss my family. My actual family, who came to every match they could, supporting me emotionally and financially. My coaches, who are my second parents, always encouraging me to become better, on and off the court. And finally, my teammates, who are there to witness my highest highs and lowest lows.  Always standing beside me. I love this sport because of the wonders it has brought into my life.

What I Liked Most About Tennis: It is unique in the aspect that it is both an individual and a team sport. We all have our individual scores and records, but in order for the team to win, we have to fight together. If your match did not go as you expected, you need to cheer extra loud for your teammates to make up for it. If you did win, you still need to support your teammates so that you can achieve the team win.  My team was always amazing at being supportive in this aspect.  Nothing feels better than hearing them cheer for you after an amazing shot.

Advice to My Teammates: Cherish all the small moments.  The long rides to and from. The rushed meals beforehand. The team dinners where there aren’t enough seats. The matches that never seem to end. I miss all of this so very much and I have tears streaming down my face as I realize that I do not have these moments anymore.