my why…

Tennis has always been more than just a sport to me—it's been my anchor, outlet, first love, and constant companion through every season of life.

From a young age, I faced adversity many never see, but tennis was there even in the hardest moments. I found joy on the court when the world felt uncertain. I found community in a sport where people don’t always expect to see Black faces. I was fortunate—not just to grow up playing alongside other Black kids but to be held, guided, and uplifted by a Black tennis community that saw me, supported me, and shaped me. That kind of love stays with you. It becomes part of who you are.

My journey with tennis started early, and it started with purpose. My first job in high school was on the court—not just hitting balls but becoming a symbol of representation for younger players in my community. I didn’t take that responsibility lightly. I still don’t. That sense of visibility, creating space, and being someone they could look up to, is the foundation of everything I do.

Tennis has carried me through every chapter—childhood, college, marriage, and now motherhood. Each stage has deepened my love for the game and sharpened my understanding of its power. Tennis teaches discipline, resilience, patience, and grace under pressure. It teaches you how to reset after every point and how to carry yourself through wins and losses alike. These lessons stretch far beyond the court—and I carry them into how I coach, lead, and live.

Now, as a mom and a wife, so much of what I do is for my family. But bringing back Love In Return wasn’t just about them—it was also for me.

After becoming a mother, I didn’t lose myself, but I did feel like I had to press pause. My life, dreams, leadership, and grind—all of it softened and shifted to make space for my daughters. I was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom for three and a half years, and I’ll never take that time for granted. I was their first teacher, their safe space, and their biggest cheerleader.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t dream, every single day, about the moment I could return to me.

Love In Return is that return. It’s my healing. It’s my way of reconnecting with who I’ve always been: a creator, a coach, a leader, and a visionary. It’s what I’ve been manifesting all along—something I could build for my daughters to inherit and something everyone can feel welcome in. Whether you’re a player, a parent, or part of the village, this space is for you.

This isn’t just a tennis program. It’s a movement.
It’s a love letter to legacy, community, joy, and wholeness.
This is my why.
This is Love In Return.