I’ve always loved tennis.
Ever since I was a kid, I have been a huge fan of the Williams sisters and wanted to be just like them.
Growing up, I’d watch their matches on TV, and it meant so much to see someone who looked like me playing the sport I loved.
The sisters had a tremendous impact on our community.
Coming from a small town and not having much, they became powerful inspirations—not just for me, but for so many people.
I always dreamed of following in their footsteps, which led me to become a tennis player at Agnes Scott College.
Unfortunately, my college tennis career has been riddled with injuries.
Due to a back injury, I wasn’t able to play in the fall or the beginning of this year, but I’m hopeful and grateful to be finishing out the season now—fingers crossed!
With all the time I’ve spent off the court, I’ve found other ways to contribute to my team.
One of those has been through content creation.
It’s something I’ve become really passionate about, and it’s become a way for me to help other athletes who are going through some of the same challenges I’ve faced.
If I can help even one person, then it’s all worth it.
Battling Injuries
Coming into my freshman year, I had what I thought was just some casual knee pain.
But after seeing a doctor and getting imaging done, I found out it was actually a torn meniscus.
That injury has stayed with me and become something I’ve managed over the past few years.
Now, in my senior year, more issues continue to pop up.
At the start of the fall semester, I had on-and-off back pain. I ended up getting an MRI—and the results were more serious than I expected.
I was diagnosed with sciatica and some minor issues in my spine and tailbone area.
As you can imagine, playing tennis requires a ton of movement. The back is engaged constantly.
So it’s been a real battle, trying to manage that pain just to finish out my final season.
These injuries have taken a toll on my mental health, too.
It’s hard to feel like you’re helping the team when stuck on the sidelines.
Thankfully, I’ve had a great support system, and that’s made all the difference.
I also try to take care of myself in small ways, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated.
Of course, not every day is perfect, but I do my best to stay consistent and support my body’s healing.
Content Creation
As difficult as it is to not compete at the level I’d like to, I’ve found something that’s brought me a new sense of purpose during this time: content creation.
What started as a creative outlet slowly became a passion—and, eventually, a platform to connect with others who are navigating similar challenges.
I know I’m not the only athlete dealing with injuries, mental health struggles, or the pressure that comes with balancing it all.
But what I realized is that so many people go through it silently. They don’t always feel like they have a space to talk about it—or even admit that they’re struggling.
That’s what motivated me to start sharing more of my own journey. I wanted to be real about the highs and lows, the good days and the tough ones.
Because as athletes, we carry a lot—but we don’t always show it.
Through content creation, I’ve been able to create a space where people feel seen and supported.
Whether I’m talking about mental health, self-care, or just daily life as a student-athlete, my goal is to remind others that they’re not alone—and that it’s okay to celebrate the small things.
Because honestly, it’s the small wins that keep you going.
You don’t always have to be chasing the big picture or waiting for a major breakthrough.
Sometimes, just showing up, taking care of yourself, or finding a moment of joy in your day—that’s enough. That’s a win.
Putting It All Together
One of the things I’ve loved most about content creation is how it connects back to my life as a student-athlete.
It’s helped me find purpose outside of competition—and it’s allowed me to share my story in a meaningful way.
As I continue to heal and hopefully finish out my final season strong, it’s this kind of creative work that keeps me grounded.
I love connecting with people. I love being honest about what this journey has really looked like.
And through it all, I’ve learned something important: It’s not always about the big wins.
It’s the small ones that matter the most.
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📷 Leilah Lewinson and Agnes Scott Athletics
