I’ll never forget what my second father always told me.
“Your time will come.”
When I was younger, I didn’t always understand what he meant by that.
I was a competitive and ambitious athlete who wanted to win all the time.
I wanted to be at the top of my game and the best tennis player in the world.
But life doesn’t work like that.
You’ll face setbacks and challenges that will test your resolve.
I believed if I could fight through the obstacles, greater things lay ahead of me.
Now, as I reflect on everything I’ve been through, I understand what my dad meant. I’ve had to overcome a lot in life, and everything I’ve endured has shaped me into who I am today.
As a top-15 college tennis player in the country, I’m proud to represent the University of Oklahoma and compete at the highest level.
But to appreciate where I’m at, you need to understand where I came from.
Setbacks and Loss
When I was four years old, my dad passed away.
At such a young age, it was difficult to comprehend what had happened, but it defined the majority of my upbringing in Mexico.
My mom wanted to help me find ways to cope with the loss, and that’s when she introduced me to tennis.
At first, it was just a way to get my mind off things, but it quickly developed into a passion and something I couldn’t get enough of.
By eight years old, I started playing in national tournaments, and I was pretty good, too.
I felt like I had a future in tennis, and I wanted to do whatever it took to make it happen.
What I didn’t know is just how much more adversity I’d have to overcome to realize my dream.
A few years after my dad passed, my mom started seeing someone new, and he became my second father.
He was a tennis superfan, and he helped me elevate my game to a whole new level.
With his guidance, I started playing in international tournaments at just 11 years old, traveling to places like Canada and Europe and competing against the best young tennis players in the world.
Mexico has talented tennis players, but the sport isn’t as popular as it is in the United States.
As I started to climb the ranks and compete in international tournaments, the weight of representing my country became apparent.
I knew I had a chance to inspire others and show them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
But that year, tragedy struck our family again when he passed away.
It was devastating.
And yet, I feel like he never completely left me. In fact, I still hear his voice and the advice he would give me.
“Never give up.”
“Your time will come.”
Those words have stayed with me. They became a mantra for my tennis life.
Changing My Path
As a teenager, I played in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, such as the US Open and Wimbledon.
I had a top-20 ITF junior ranking, and I was well on my way to turning pro.
I started talking to colleges when I was 16, but I wasn’t really interested at the time.
I was completely focused on going pro and building my career.
But at 18, I injured my knee pretty badly and needed surgery.
Suddenly, going pro didn’t seem like a viable option anymore.
At this point, I was talking to a few college coaches, but I wasn’t sure if college was the right path for me.
Then I remembered my mother’s wish for me to get a degree.
She always emphasized the importance of education, and I started to see the value in that.
Tennis wouldn’t last forever, and I needed to prepare for life after the sport.
With that in mind, I made the decision to go to college and pursue my degree while continuing to play tennis.
And trust me when I say this, it’s one of the best decisions I ever made.
Choosing Oklahoma
The recruiting process was a bit overwhelming at first.
I had offers from various schools, but there was something about Oklahoma that stood out to me.
The connection I felt with the coaches and the team felt right. They became like a family to me, and I knew I belonged in Norman.
The team was also in the midst of its best season in history, and I wanted to be a part of that.
I wanted to help continue to build on the program’s success and history—to forge a legacy.
And in my time here, I’d say we’ve accomplished that.
Last year, I was named captain of the team, and it’s truly an honor to hold this position. I love my team and my teammates, and I do everything I can to help and support them.
I’ve also had some success in my own career, like recently advancing to the semifinals in the NCAA singles tournament.
I’ve always thrived in the big moments and embraced the nerves.
You have to in order to succeed as a female athlete.
There’s going to be people who judge you for everything you do, but you have to stay fearless through the process.
The same year, I was awarded the OU Athletics Council Achievement Award for overcoming every obstacle for athletic and academic success.
It meant the world to me because it acknowledged the challenges I’ve faced and the resilience I’ve shown.
I couldn’t have done it without the people in my corner.
We push each other to be the best we can be, and that’s what makes us successful.
More Work To Do
I still have a lot I want to accomplish here at OU, and I’m going to do everything I can to help my team win a national championship.
After that, I hope to turn pro and continue building on the legacy I’ve started.
I know my time will come.
But I’m more than an athlete. I’m a student, a teammate, and a leader.
As I continue my journey at Oklahoma, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of education and the empowerment of women in sports.
Being one of the top college tennis players in the country comes with a responsibility to inspire and uplift others.
I want young girls to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
I want them to believe in themselves and their dreams, just like I did.
I want them to know their time will come, too.
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