Skyelyn

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What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

I love playing tennis because it makes me happy and it teaches me so much. As an individual sport, it helps me in so many areas of my life by teaching me how to be an independent and quick thinker, but also forces me out of my shell to meet some pretty amazing tennis players around the country. Tennis is really a powerful and pretty hard sport, it's not just about hitting shots over the net it's about having precision and placement and working through tough moments, and trusting yourself.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

I have multiple people who inspire me, Coco Gauff, Emma Raducanu and of course Serena Williams. Seeing where they came from, the challenges they had to overcome and how they faced adversity is inspiring in itself. Through their journey, it is showing me that character can take you places that sometimes talent can't. What inspires me is seeing an amazing athlete like Serena dream big and make it to the top, that is my dream and I know as long as I push hard and never give up, I will make it too!

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

As a junior tennis player, Skyelyn trains everyday. In June, Skye had a severe ankle sprain and was in a cast for 3 weeks. This was a tough time for her not being able to attend workouts, practices or tournaments. But she remained diligent and positive during this time. After 4 weeks off the courts, she started physical therapy and light court drills. 6 weeks later we flew to California and she played in her first match of the summer and won a 16u match at the age of 12! Go SKYE!!