By Carmen Martinez
Megan Heuser’s tennis career started long before joining the Illini Tennis team. Since the age of two and a half years old, Heuser has had a tennis racket in her hand. Training to one day become a Pro-Athlete.
“I want to be the best I can be. I strive to go pro one day. I strive to be an All American One Day. I haven’t reached those accomplishments yet so until I reach those accomplishments I’m going to keep working everyday as hard as I can until I can reach my goals and my maximum moment” stated Heuser.
In 2019 she became the Illinois State Champion representing Lakes Community High School. Along with being a four time NLCC All-Conference, Four-time All-State selection, Four-time sectional champion as individual, and two-time sectional champion as team.
However, her accomplishments didn’t stop there. As a Freshman at the University of Illinois, Heuser started at number one doubles and ranked third on the team for wins in the 2021 to 2022 season. Posting a 13-7 record with the Illini. She also posted the second most wins in conference with an 8-2 record.
Heuser describes the feeling of being on the court.
“It's a roller coaster let me tell you. Some moments it’s like I win a point and I’m on top of the world and then I lose a point and it’s just a horrible feeling it’s such a roller coaster of events”
Teammate and close friend Kida Ferrari stated that Heuser also brings a lot of energy to the team.
“Her laugh is very contagious and her energy is very contagious…Being on a team with her is super fun. I can't say that enough. She is one of the most fun people I’ve ever met in my life” stated Ferrari.
Heuser stated that playing on the collegiate level has changed her perspective on the game.
“You’re on the court by yourself, you're fighting yourself, you’re competing for yourself, but coming to college it’s honestly changed my perspective on Tennis. It’s become more of a team atmosphere team environment type of thing and it’s really cool just not playing for yourself anymore, but also for my teammates. Playing For the University and playing for something much bigger than myself and I think that’s such a rewarding thing that a lot of people don’t get to experience” stated Heuser.
In fact, it is the team atmosphere that gets her through those tough moments on the court.
“It’s really relying on the people around me. I really look up to my coaches. Our coaches are allowed to be on the court with us. All my teammates that are supporting me. Just the people that are playing next to me knowing that I'm not the only one out there fighting for this match that there are other people that could put a point on the board. If I lose, this match didn’t come down to me” stated Heuser.
As a Sophomore, Heuser has set an Illini program record of being ranked number seven doubles alongside her partner, Kate Duong. So far they have a record of 25-5. The pair will be heading to the NCAA conference tournament this month.
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