I was a kid who grew up in rural Michigan playing tennis and I became an Olympian, a Wimbledon finalist, and one of the best tennis players in the world. Coming from those beginnings and being able to achieve what I did, I believe I can achieve anything I set my mind to and that I’m willing to work for.
My parents taught me the value of hard work and to believe in myself. Having success on the tennis court only reinforced that belief. Tennis taught me that if I’m willing to put in the time and hard work for many years, I can achieve virtually anything. I love to share the message of hard work with the youth in my foundation. I know without a doubt that nothing will replace hard work and this value will serve them well their entire lives.
Goal setting has shaped my life from the time I was a teenager. I learned that if I set a goal and pursue that goal vigorously, two things will happen; I will achieve the goal or even if I don’t, the lessons that I learned in pursuit of that goal will be invaluable. Either way I find success.
Early in my professional career, I realized the impact that I could have on people, especially kids. What often seemed small in the moment to me, a simple autograph or conversation with someone or taking a picture, often times meant something much more to them. This taught me to appreciate the opportunities I was blessed with. I was able to travel the world, do what I love to do, and do it for a living.
Having traveled the world I saw the daily lives of many people, which made me appreciate what I had even more. My experiences inspired me to start my youth foundation so the young people in Jacksonville, Florida would see and appreciate the opportunities they truly do have, especially when compared to the lack of opportunities that billions of young people around the world have.
Though my playing career has been over for many years, tennis still shapes who I am today. The experiences I have gained and the opportunities I am still afforded because of tennis, allows me to continue my personal growth and development.
