“I’ve never really traveled across the country for a tournament like this, so it’s definitely a new experience,” said Emma Chodur, an ITA National Tournament Qualifier.
Freshman tennis player Emma Chodur’s lifelong passion for tennis has set her up on a trip to Georgia for the ITA National Tournament.
“This is the first time in program history that we’ve had somebody win the ITA regional. So I’m just excited for Emma, and I’m excited for the school,” said Patty LaBat, COC Women’s Head Tennis Coach.
But with high-level competition comes pressure, something Emma works hard not to let affect her game.
“I’m just trying to play my best on the court, and if my opponent is better than me, then it is what it is,” said Chodur.
“She’s always smiling. She never really gets down on herself. She kind of takes one point at a time, and you can tell that she’s all calm and collected, and it just kind of wears off on people,” said LaBat.
Emma has played since she was three and started competing at eleven, and that early start has only strengthened her love for the sport.
“I want to try to play as many tournaments as possible, try to get my ranking up,” said Chodur.
This may seem like any other tennis racket and ball, but to Emma, it represents more than just a game; it’s a journey filled with challenges, especially the ones she faces alone.
“I feel like this is honestly the hardest part for tennis players, including when it’s an individual sport. You don’t really have a team to lean on. So, I think, for me, it’s just kind of resetting,” said Chodur.
From October 16th to the 19th, Emma will be competing in Georgia, hoping to advance through the national bracket.
“If I lose, if I win, it is what it is. I just try to play the best tennis,” said Chodur.
“She is just always working and striving toward her goal to play D1 Tennis. So her work ethic is out of this world. You can tell she’s a tournament player,” said LaBat.
