Since graduating St. Aidens in 2020, Ruby has been training hard to prepare herself for college in August. Being the youngest of 3 siblings, one of which has previously trained at LifeTime, Ruby has begun coaching at LifeTime noting her relationship with the younger players a highly motivating factor. The LifeTime family looks forward to following her Journey in the USA. Go Ruby!
1. Age: 17
a) UTR: 9.23
b) AR: 112
c) How long have you been at lifetime? I have been training at lifetime tennis for 11 years
d) Private Coach? Graeme Brimblecombe
2. How old were you and why did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis from a really young age (probably 4 or 5 years old). My main inspiration when starting tennis was my sister who played as quite a high level junior. I used to go around and travel to every tournament with her and my love for tennis started from there, I wanted to follow in her footsteps. My dad was also a professional cricketer and his support and encouragement within my sporting endeavours definitely shaped the player I am today. Both of my parents are super supportive.
3. Can you give us a brief overview of your playing career so far?
I began playing tournaments when I was 7 years old and was fortunate to be selected in many tennis Australia development camps etc. In 2013 I was selected in the QLD team for the super 10’s nationals finals at the Aus Open. I think this was the moment I realised my passion for the game. Since then I have been apart of two QLD teams at the Pizzey Cup U/19 National championships and was fortunate enough to captain the team to win gold in 2019, one of my proudest achievements. Unfortunately, throughout this time I’ve undergone two elbow surgeries which put me on the sideline for a total of 22 months. Although these were massive setbacks in my career, I believe they have shaped the person who I am today and increased my desire to get back out and compete.
4. Favourite Tennis Memory?
My favourite tennis memory would definitely be captaining the Queensland U/19 Team to win gold at the School Sport Australia Championships (Pizzey Cup) in 2019.
5. Favourite part about lifetime/memory?
My favourite part about lifetime would definitely have to be the “family” we have created over the years. Every time I go to Ambi I feel like I’m at my second home, all of my coaches are so supportive and uplifting and I’m so glad to have made life long friends.
6. Goals for tennis?
My current goals for tennis are to transition into college tennis in the US in August 2021. I’m still in the process of finding the right fit, however, I am so excited for the opportunity to go over to the states and develop my tennis whilst furthering my education. It has been a dream of mine for a long time.
7. Tell us about your choice surrounding college.
For me, college tennis was a no brainer. I have heard so many amazing things and the opportunities in the US for women’s tennis are insane. I am a huge fan of playing in a team and feel as though I thrive in a team environment, making college tennis a perfect fit for me.
8. Most important thing you’ve been taught?
To be honest, I have not had the most lucky run to where I am today. Having 2 elbow surgeries by the age of 17 was super daunting and I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to pick up a racquet again. The most important lesson I’ve been taught by a tennis coach is that it is these setbacks which reveal how mentally strong we are, we should use them as motivation for success in the future. I truly believe that these words is what has helped me to get back out on the tennis court.
9. Most influence in your tennis career and why?
This is a super hard one, because I’ve had so many great coaches, family members and friends in support of my tennis career. However, I would have to say my dad is my greatest influence. Although he wasn’t a tennis player himself, dad absolutely loves the game and will do anything he can to prepare me for my matches, training and especially assist with my injuries. I have been playing tournaments for 10 years now and I’d say dad was probably my warm up for about 90% of those matches, no matter the situation. I am very thankful for his support and believe he influenced my tennis career massively.
10. Advice for a younger you?
My biggest advice for my younger self is that one match, one tournament, one loss, is not the end of the world. I have missed out on so many opportunities throughout my career which I was devastated by, however, I have had so many great ones that I will cherish forever. I think we should take these losses as motivation to work hard and earn our success, rather than feeling sorry for ourselves.
Stay tuned to find out more about our academy leaders in the coming months!
