Lauren Hewett Continues To Tour The World To Play Tennis

Lauren Hewett, a freshman tennis player from Hertfordshire, England, studying environmental science at The University of Tampa, has played in over five different countries.

The freshman started playing tennis at age 3 in Hong Kong. "I always loved playing in Hong Kong, from the sunshine to competing, it was truly a great experience for me," Hewett said. The English born was coached by long time mentor and friend Christen Goddrige. Goddrige always provided Hewett with valuable advice and told her to always trust her swing and be confident.

"My coach was with me since the beginning of my tennis career and I owe a lot to where I am now to her," Hewett said.

After playing in Hong Kong, Hewett continued her tennis career to England at St. Albans High School for Girls. Hewett was placed into the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sport Excellence program, which allowed her to focus on her tennis skills and continue her education. She loved playing in England because of the "astros;" the all weather turf material that allows tennis players to play year round. Having tennis annually allowed her to improve her tennis skills, but also provided an interesting playing experience.

"Playing in the snow was quite insane, once you tossed the ball in the air to serve, you would lose it immediately," Hewett said jokingly.

Even playing tennis at school, Hewett never missed a beat to improve her tennis résumé. She always entered into tennis tournaments, and even went to different European countries to compete. The environmental science major, compiled 11 first place finishes while playing tennis tournaments in England and Scotland since 2007.

She won the South of Scotland Championships three times, and several other prestigious and local tournaments in Great Britain. In the summer of 2010, after compiling points from all her victories, Hewett earned her highest ranking of #43 in the ladies singles bracket in England.

"After all that hard work, being ranked was by far my biggest accomplishment while playing tennis," Hewett said with confidence.

The Hertfordshire native also played tennis in France and remarked, "It was more of an experience; I had never played on red clay before and I felt I would fall on my face whenever I slid on the clay."

From the red clay courts of France to the grass courts of England, Hewett's hard work and tennis credentials brought her to the hard courts at The University of Tampa in 2010. She is currently the number one player for the Tampa Spartans tennis squad.

"Tennis is quite different now that I am in college, but I am glad that I am finally part of a team," Hewett said. She also described how by being on a team really relaxes a player. "Shake it off Lauren, loosey goosey, let's go now," says current doubles partner Maddie Caropino to help calm Hewett down whenever she gets tense while playing.

The United States is now Hewett's fifth country to play tennis in, and she aspires to play elsewhere after college if given the opportunity. Hewett does miss playing tennis in England, but welcomes the competitive nature that playing collegiately brings her.

The college experience at UT is just another step she must take in order to further her tennis career as well as her education.

Written by David Hiller (SPM 385)