Freshman Aubrey Meis is on a winning streak, beating her opponents in every match she has played so far for San Juan Hills Varsity tennis.
Prior to high school, the young tennis prospect played other sports during her early years, such as soccer and softball, but ended up falling in love with tennis. Meis’ father, who has experience playing the sport, was the person who placed the racket in her hands and encouraged her to start playing.
“My dad is the one who kind of got me into it because he played throughout high school, so he is pretty good,” said tennis star Aubrey Meis.
Meis played team sports growing up, so it took her time to get fully adjusted to an individual sport. Once on the court, individual tennis players, like Meis, only have themselves to rely on, unlike team sports where other teammates can help balance the burden of handling the pressure and supporting on the field, rink, etc. Meis feels that playing tennis gives her a sense of a greater accomplishment, since she is the one that does all of the work.
“Tennis is very mental, you are on your own and you have to rely on yourself. I know how to handle pressure and stay strong mentally, which helps me through harder matches,” said Meis.
The athlete spends around four hours each day practicing and competing in tennis matches. Outside of school, she competes in doubles and single tournaments through Junior United States Tennis Association. At school, she plays mostly individual matches for San Juan Hills.
“I play tournaments almost every weekend, Junior USTA Tournaments, and then I train in Newport Beach and over in El Toro too,” said Meis.
Meis recently ranked the 19th best tennis player in the country for the Junior USTA girls 14 and under.
”I was in awe. She plays some of the best tennis that I have ever seen,” said sophomore Ayla Gelsinger, Meis’ teammate.
The freshman tennis player tried out for Stallion tennis over the summer and made the varsity team. She is ecstatic to play tennis in a group setting, now that she has a team to be a part of.
“They [my teammates] are all super, super sweet and make me enjoy it a lot too. I’m glad to be on the team…I have everyone to help me through if I am playing a hard match and it’s just a lot of fun. I’m having a lot more fun with tennis,” said Meis.
Meis’ teammates feel the same way and are happy to welcome her onto the tennis team and join the group.
“She is determined and focused. She is an amazing player and a very good teammate. She adds a lot to the team and is a great addition,” said Gelsinger.
After high school, Meis hopes to earn a scholarship and take her talents to the collegiate level.
