Your coach:
Jeff Spiers & Garcia Gordon
How old were you when you started to play tennis, when did you join the Academy?
I have been playing tennis since I was 5, only started loving the sport at age 14
What is next for you?
I will be playing university tennis at Carson Newman University in Tennessee, and I hope to coach at Aforza whenever I can!
Please share your academic or tennis related awards or achievements with us.
I have many meaningful achievements in tennis. Winning my first 4 star tournament, going to nationals for the first time, ranking 1600 in the world for girls tennis. My biggest achievement, however, is my improvement. Everyday I walk out on court, it's a reminder of how far I've come.
How old you were when you started to take tennis seriously, what or who inspired or motivated you to do so?
When I was just 14, the world felt like it had paused. COVID-19 had brought everything to a halt. I'm sure most of you remember how surreal and uncertain those days were. Like everyone else, I was stuck at home. I consider myself lucky, I had tennis, and although I didn't like playing tennis at that time, I enjoyed getting out and playing with my dad.
What was your biggest challenge in obtaining your tennis goals?
I constantly find myself facing and overcoming challenges. Each one shapes me into a better version of myself. But the most persistent and difficult challenge I face is... me. I doubt my own capabilities more often than I’d like to admit. I put pressure on myself to give 110% all the time, and when I don't I’m a failure. You could ask any coach I’ve worked with, and I guarantee they’d say something like, “Kerrigan’s a hard worker, but she’s too tough on herself.” If you've ever watched one of my practices, there's a good chance you’ve seen me yelling at myself over a small mistake. It's not something I'm proud of. But every day I step onto the court, I strive to be better, not just technically, but mentally. I want to be the calm, focused player that younger athletes can look up to. Although It's been a long and grueling process, I truly believe I've come leaps and bounds in my mental game. I’m learning to be kinder to myself, to channel frustration into focus, and to grow from every setback. The battle isn’t over!
Please share your fondest memories from your training or competition with Aforza?
This memory is short at sweet. When I was younger Doug used to coach the elite fitness. He did a great job with it as well. Well one day everyone in the group was having a terrible day! So Doug started to try and lift everyone's spirit. He told one of the players, David, that if he could throw a ball from two courts away and get it in the basket we could all run to circle K and get slushies. No one thought David could land the shot, but he did. True to his word, Doug made us run to Circle K and bought us all slushies. Thanks Doug, you always found a way to make people smile.
Other comments or memories you’d like to share.
Thank you to everyone at Aforza who has been a part of my journey, for the time we’ve spent growing, learning, and supporting each other. You’ve all become like a second family to me, and for that, I’ll forever be grateful. The lessons I’ve learned here, both on and off the court, have shaped me in ways I never imagined. The memories we’ve created together will stay with me for a lifetime. While I won’t be at the club as often as I’d like moving forward, please know that each of you has had an impact on my growth and success. The support, encouragement, and camaraderie I’ve found here will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll carry the spirit of Aforza with me no matter where I go.
Do you have any advice for other young players?
My advice for the next generation of elite players would be… to not be afraid. I know I’m full of clichés, but they’re important to remember, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had let fear control me. Please, don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. And most importantly, don’t be afraid of yourself. Of course, that’s easier said than done. I’d be lying if I said I’ve never felt fear; I have, many times. But the difference is, I choose to face my fear. I will fight it. I remind myself of who I am at my core, and I don’t let the opinions of others define me. Fear might always be there, but it doesn’t get to make the decisions, you do. Every day you show up, you're facing your fears, and that alone is something to be proud of. So no matter what you’re doing, be fearless. Give it your all, because that’s all you can ask of yourself. P.S. Listen to your mom they are usually right... at least my mom is.
