By Liz Contreras
Balancing life as a student-athlete is not always easy, but for Collinsville tennis player London Cooper, it is an everyday match she is focused on winning. Now a junior, Cooper has played the sport since the 5th grade and says it has been a staple in her life since. “It has taught me how to grow and how to become a better athlete,” shared Cooper.
She made considerable progress in her game this season, especially in her serve which she has worked tirelessly to improve- and her solid backhand remains one of her biggest strengths on the court. Her proudest moment came her freshman year when she won her first high school match, igniting her self-confidence and passion for the sport. “I was very proud of myself that day,” Cooper reflected.
Cooper shared that her biggest challenge as a student-athlete has been creating balance. Between academics, tennis, and prioritizing her self-care, Cooper strives to succeed at her many responsibilities, managing it all like a player juggling serves and footwork- each demanding accuracy, control and composure under pressure. She has learned to thrive in it all with the support from her coach and parents, all of whom she admires deeply. Cooper says that Coach Lindblad offers constructive feedback and genuine encouragement.
“He is probably one of the best coaches out there.”
Her teammates are the foundation for the supportive atmosphere at Collinsville. She shared her gratefulness for being part of a team that always offers encouragement, a fair share of laughs, and a willingness to help despite what their relationships may look like off the court.
With the goal of becoming an ultrasound technician or a pediatrician, Cooper says that after high school she hopes to build a career in healthcare. The driving force is serving others, especially children. “I love kids,” Cooper says. “I want to help them as well.”
For Cooper, tennis has created the need for personal growth by way of resilience, determination, and how to persevere amid adversity. To her it isn’t just about the score, but the fellowship that comes along with it. It is through her perseverance on the court, coupled with a clear vision off of it, that Cooper proves success is more than just a win; it is about who you surround yourself with, and the support found along the way.
