On and off the Court

Lorenzo Neri, a junior at O'Dea High School, has been playing tennis for ten years. He spends around two hours per day during the season practicing and playing. According to Neri, there is discipline in the sport, and it has helped him develop as a person.

"You have to be disciplined in your training, in your practice, in your mental focus, and in your approach to the game," says Neri. "It's not just about hitting the ball over the net – there's a lot of strategy and mental toughness involved as well."

Neri views tennis as a vehicle for personal growth. He has learned the value of persistence and dedication and has developed strong relationships with his teammates and coaches. He sees himself as both an athlete and a student and believes that tennis has helped him excel in both areas.

"Playing tennis has taught me to never give up, to keep pushing even when things get tough," he says. "It has also taught me to be a team player, to support my teammates and work together towards a common goal. These are skills that will serve me well in all aspects of my life."

Looking to the future, Neri hopes to continue playing tennis at a high level and to inspire others to take up the sport and experience the personal growth and satisfaction that he has found on the court.