Q&A with Ardrey Kell tennis player Ella Davis
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Ella Davis has always loved tennis. She picked up a racket at age three and started lessons and clinics at age five. By nine years old, she was competing and playing junior tennis. She was line 1 for both singles and doubles at Ardrey Kell as a freshman, helping lead her team to number two in their conference last year. We caught up with her to get a glimpse into her mindset when it comes to the game.
How do you overcome challenges in your sport?
Ella Davis: My biggest challenge with tennis is how to push through mental blocks and how to stay mentally focused. Another challenge is to not put myself down. In order to mentally focus between points, I usually have to step back, towel off at the back of the fence and reevaluate the previous point and think about my plan for the next point.
What do you love about your sport?
Davis: I don’t always need another person to play or practice with because there are drills and ball machines I can use. I also get to meet so many new people, whether it be a new teammate or an opponent. Most everyone is always so nice on and off the court.
What is your pre-match ritual?
Davis: My pre-match ritual has been the same for many many years. I try my best to hydrate with water the entire day before. I eat the same foods (eggs, sausage, fruit) for breakfast the morning of the match. I have protein bars or apple and peanut butter on hand as well. I listen to the same songs before each match, too. Music relaxes me and gets me focused on my match. I stretch and do some footwork before I go onto the court.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your sport?
Davis: I love to read, bake, spend time with my family and friends, and visit new places.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a coach?
Davis: Play point by point and not get ahead of yourself.
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