The Tennis Match That Got Me Into Princeton University

Some moments define your journey, and for me, it was an unforgettable match in Kenya that solidified my path to Princeton University. As an aspiring college tennis player, I knew I needed a breakthrough. My ITF ranking wasn’t high enough to guarantee a spot at a top school, but it was enough to attract some attention—if I could prove myself.

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That tournament in Nairobi was supposed to be an opportunity to gain points, but it quickly turned into a test of resilience. The courts were unlike anything I had ever seen—uneven, more dirt than clay, with trenches instead of baselines. Altitude made the ball fly uncontrollably, and the tournament stringer used a wooden stick to “measure” string tension. Nothing was ideal. But the best athletes don’t wait for perfect conditions—they adapt.

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In the second week, I found myself dealing with food poisoning from a misjudged buffet choice. Weak, dehydrated, and unable to keep anything down, I faced a crucial match that would determine my ranking, my college prospects, and my shot at Junior Wimbledon. As I stepped onto the court, I had nothing left in the tank—except for my will to fight.

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I took a simple approach: hold serve, extend rallies, make them play. Every point was a battle. My mind began to rationalize defeat—“You’ve done enough, no one would blame you”—but then another voice inside me snapped: “No. You fight.”

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After losing the first set in a tiebreak, I dug in. I screamed, took every second of my allotted time, and clawed my way to another tiebreak, this time winning it. The third set went the distance, and with everything on the line, I refused to let go. I played with conviction, claiming every ounce of work I had put into my game.

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Game, set, match—Damian Rodriguez.

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That tournament win propelled my ranking to 150 ITF, securing my spot at Junior Wimbledon and, ultimately, an offer from Princeton University. But the true lesson wasn’t about rankings or results—it was about resilience, mindset, and the ability to fight through adversity. This is the insight I bring to my work at Crimson Education, helping international players navigate the path to college tennis.

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Because in the end, it’s not just about talent. It’s about pushing through challenges, adapting, and finding a way—one point at a time.

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Damian Rodriguez Regalado | Crimson Tennis Strategist

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