As we continued to speak about the future, I was told by the coach that “there was no need to apply to any other schools.” They were looking forward to me joining the tennis team in the Fall. I therefore jumped at the opportunity to apply early. I made it. Why even apply anywhere else? I was in! My future was set! As I later found out, this was not the best decision made.
As the weeks passed and I waited for “the” acceptance letter in the mail (yes, letters were sent by actual mail back then) I stopped pursuing other opportunities. However, when the day came and the letter arrived, my world fell apart. I didn’t get into my dream school. In fact, I didn’t even get wait listed; I was rejected!
When I finally calmed down and called the coach who had promised me the world, the only explanation I received was, “sorry, the school decided to take a different direction this year with acceptances.” Sorry? What? All I could think about were the other choices I let slip away. And that I had a lot of work ahead to submit applications by the deadlines.
Ultimately, things worked out for me as I was torn between two great schools and two reputable tennis teams: Tufts University and Brown University. I went from devastation to having a really good problem. And more importantly, I achieved my goal to play collegiate tennis!
I certainly don’t want to scare anyone about the recruitment process but rather make people aware that they must look out for their own interests and leave all options open as they navigate through the process. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Flashback to the rejection letter and realizing that today is exactly where I’m meant to be. In the end, things work out and I wish only the best for all graduating Tennis Innovators Academy students getting ready for this awesome journey!
