Traveling to Ventura may seem like a relaxing spot to some, but it was all business for Estrella Segura—another match, another challenge, and a shot at the 3C2A State Championship.
I made it my first year,” said Segura. “It shows how much effort you put over all the years that you’ve been playing it, and when it finally all comes together, it feels so rewarding.”
“Trust me, I was so happy when I made it into the tournament,” said Segura.
Discovering tennis by chance, Estrella’s journey grew from curious beginner to fierce competitor among California’s elite community college players.
“For my singles, I felt it wasn’t that great, but once we hit doubles, I felt so good,” said Segura.
“Doubles ended up being the best thing I had played at the tournament,” said Segura. “I made it to the third round of doubles with my partner, Baylee Renfro.”
Segura doesn’t just play, she leads.
“Estrella was the best captain that we’ve had in a long time,” said Patty LaBat, College of the Canyons Women’s Tennis Head Coach.
“She is motivated, she’s organized, she has a great work ethic, and she knows how to motivate the other girls on the team,” said Coach LaBat.
Balancing tennis and school takes a serious mental game, something she’s developed over years of practice and persistence, serving herself up for success.
“I know that organization is key, and that’s the only way that I can get through it,” said Segura.
“Talking with my family helps me get through it as well, because then I’m able to tell them, like, Alright, I’m going to do this…they keep me accountable, too,” said Segura.
Estrella’s journey highlights the impact of hard work, determination, and the support of those around her.
