Emily Kennedy Serves Youth When Not Playing Tennis

As she readies herself for the lightning fast serve of her opponent on the tennis court, UT's Emily Kennedy is also preparing to spend her summer with her own service; encouraging young children to pursue their love of exploring the outdoors as a counselor at Catalina Islands Camps in California.

With 12 matches won in singles play, and another 11 from doubles, Kennedy had an impressive season as a freshman with the Spartan tennis team last spring. As a sophomore, Kennedy is now looking to build on her early success in hopes of winning a Sunshine State Conference Championship for The University of Tampa.

Kennedy is no stranger to the tennis court, a second home since she started playing at the age of four. With years of experience, including trips to the state high school tennis championships in Utah, Kennedy will be a tough match for any opponent she faces this spring.

Aside from spending her days practicing on the courts, Kennedy is looking forward to providing a learning experience to children with an interest in water adventures. A marine biology major herself, Kennedy will work at the same camp that once inspired her to pursue a career in sea excursions.

"After I graduate, I would love to spend time diving in the coral reef by Australia," Kennedy said. After earning the rank of Master Diver from the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI), along with seven other awards including five specialty certifications from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), Kennedy seems more than ready to lead campers on a fun-filled summer.

"It wasn't until I attended the Catalina Island Camps that I realized what a passion I had for the water," said Kennedy, "hopefully I can inspire others to study something they love in their future."

Growing up, Kennedy has been exploring a life filled with outdoor adventures. A frequent skier and snowboarder in the mountains of Utah, she hopes to one day transfer those skills to wakeboarding. Kennedy has also felt the rush of flying through the air after an exhilarating skydiving experience and described it as, "something I would definitely do again." Lacking a fear of heights, Kennedy often enjoys taking time to go rock climbing in her home state, explaining that, "It actually helps my patience and decision making."

This summer will not be the first time that Kennedy serves in the role of a counselor. A Gateways Mentor at The University of Tampa, Kennedy provides assistance to a class of freshman as they transition from high school to college life. Acting as a teacher assistant, Kennedy helps provide essential information to her students in order to ensure their progress in school, is successful.

When faced with the decision to look for colleges, the native of Salt Lake City, Utah, was faced with a very tough choice to move thousands of miles from home to pursue her dream. "I was looking at a lot of schools in California with programs in marine biology," Kennedy stated, "but at the University of Tampa, I was granted financial and athletic scholarships with the opportunity to keep playing tennis. Plus the school had my name on it."

The University of Tampa does in fact sit on Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa. Although it may not have been named after the Emily from Salt Lake City, this Kennedy will always remain a member of the Spartan family after her dedication to its students, and athletic program.

Written by Alex Miles