Started from the bottom now I'm here

The saying started from the bottom, now I’m here is still being used. Everyone’s low is different. However, the commonalities in lows are always hard. It is miraculous when you can get out of your hardship.

I never had a lot of money. I was always taught to make the best out of what you have. Don’t live beyond your means. Those words always stuck with me to this day. I might add, those words changed my life for the better.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York my dad taught me tennis. He taught me everything he knows. I won a scholarship to IMG Academy. It was a great experience. I quickly grabbed a scholarship to South Carolina State University and then transferred to the University of Arizona. My college years were one of the best in my life. I enjoyed every moment and will forever be grateful to my coaches at the school for giving me a once in a lifetime opportunity!

After graduating I went into missionary work in the Marshall Islands. I barely played tennis. It was hard, but God had a plan. While I was in the Marshall Islands my coach and father had numerous strokes. I was losing more than just tennis at this point and I didn’t know what to do. All I knew to do was fight and complete the mission.

I came back to New York with a vengeance. A burning fire to play on the tour level. This 3-year journey hasn’t been easy at all, but it has been worth every blood, sweat, and tear. I have traveled from continent to continent chasing a tennis ball to live a dream. I have had the privilege of being Grenada’s first professional tennis player. I have had a career-high of 678 in singles and 918 in doubles.

While money was always a tick in my side, I never made it stop me. The money I do have, I make the best of it. One day I know I will be able to tell my kids you can follow your dreams and break records as well as thrive. Again, it’s not easy, but if you just keep working hard all will come together for your good. I am forever grateful for many opportunities. I stand before you today saying my dad is well and I’m still on the tour doing what I was called to do. Started from the bottom, now I’m here is still my story. What’s yours?