Photo by: Jon Burke
The Tennis Tour: From Bolivia to Houston
10/9/2023 12:43:00 PM | Tennis
Houston Tennis’ Gabriela Cortes recaps the Houston Invite and her journey to Houston
By Gabriela Cortes, Houston Tennis Student-Athlete
Strong start
I wanted to take a moment to share my excitement following a great weekend at the Houston Invite.
Looking back at the tournament, I couldn't be happier with the results. I was fortunate enough to come out victorious in all my matches, marking a fantastic start to our fall season. This victory was not just personal but a collective win for our team. We've been eagerly waiting for this moment, and I believe it sets a strong foundation for what's to come, especially with the ITA Texas Regionals in the next few days. After a few months off,
this weekend served as the perfect confidence builder for our season.
Starting strong is pivotal in tennis. It's not just about the physical game; it's also about building confidence. Tennis is a sport where belief in yourself plays a massive role, and this weekend, we did just that - we built confidence.
My childhood
I was born in America, but I grew up in Bolivia, which was a unique experience. My parents, with their diverse backgrounds, instilled a strong work ethic and determination in me. My mother's Russian heritage brought resilience, determination and a bit of feistiness, qualities that have served me well on the court. Bolivia, where I spent my childhood years, provided the perfect backdrop for my tennis journey. My dad's dedication to the sport, owning a tennis club in my hometown of Cochabamba, meant that I practically lived at the tennis courts. If you ask anyone from my hometown, they'll tell you I grew up at that tennis club.
Although tennis was my primary sport, my parents encouraged me to explore other avenues. Gymnastics and swimming were part of my childhood to help improve my tennis skills. Gymnastics enhanced my flexibility, and swimming bolstered my endurance, both of which have contributed to my play on the tennis court.
Choosing Houston
When it came time to decide where I wanted to go to school, there were several factors that played into my decision to come to Houston. I knew I wanted to be in a big city. A city like Houston offers a lot of job opportunities for when I am done playing tennis. I wanted to go to a school with many resources and the University of Houston has several resources for me, as a student and as an athlete, to be successful. The biggest thing was that I wanted my team to feel like a family. The girls and coaches here are great, and I feel like I found my home away from home.
Entering the Big 12 era
As for my goals this year, I'm determined to build on the success of last season. The Big 12 Conference is highly competitive, but that challenge is what drives us to be even better. I'm committed to giving everything I have to contribute to our team's success in the Big 12 and to make the University of Houston proud.
Being part of the Big 12 Conference is a tremendous opportunity for us to grow and improve. We're going to face some outstanding teams, but this level of competition will undoubtedly elevate our game. I genuinely believe we are well-prepared, and together, we'll make our mark in the Big 12.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Your encouragement is what fuels our determination to excel on the tennis court. Stay tuned for more exciting matches and moments ahead. We can't wait to share this journey with you.
Go Coogs!
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN the CENTER COURT CLUB
Fans are invited to join the Center Court Club to support Houston Tennis. Center Court Club members provide financial support directly to Houston Tennis for needs beyond the program's operating budget. For more information and to donate, fans can click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarTennis on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarTennis or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougartennis.
Strong start
I wanted to take a moment to share my excitement following a great weekend at the Houston Invite.
Looking back at the tournament, I couldn't be happier with the results. I was fortunate enough to come out victorious in all my matches, marking a fantastic start to our fall season. This victory was not just personal but a collective win for our team. We've been eagerly waiting for this moment, and I believe it sets a strong foundation for what's to come, especially with the ITA Texas Regionals in the next few days. After a few months off,
this weekend served as the perfect confidence builder for our season.Starting strong is pivotal in tennis. It's not just about the physical game; it's also about building confidence. Tennis is a sport where belief in yourself plays a massive role, and this weekend, we did just that - we built confidence.
My childhood
I was born in America, but I grew up in Bolivia, which was a unique experience. My parents, with their diverse backgrounds, instilled a strong work ethic and determination in me. My mother's Russian heritage brought resilience, determination and a bit of feistiness, qualities that have served me well on the court. Bolivia, where I spent my childhood years, provided the perfect backdrop for my tennis journey. My dad's dedication to the sport, owning a tennis club in my hometown of Cochabamba, meant that I practically lived at the tennis courts. If you ask anyone from my hometown, they'll tell you I grew up at that tennis club.
Although tennis was my primary sport, my parents encouraged me to explore other avenues. Gymnastics and swimming were part of my childhood to help improve my tennis skills. Gymnastics enhanced my flexibility, and swimming bolstered my endurance, both of which have contributed to my play on the tennis court.
Choosing Houston
When it came time to decide where I wanted to go to school, there were several factors that played into my decision to come to Houston. I knew I wanted to be in a big city. A city like Houston offers a lot of job opportunities for when I am done playing tennis. I wanted to go to a school with many resources and the University of Houston has several resources for me, as a student and as an athlete, to be successful. The biggest thing was that I wanted my team to feel like a family. The girls and coaches here are great, and I feel like I found my home away from home.
Entering the Big 12 eraAs for my goals this year, I'm determined to build on the success of last season. The Big 12 Conference is highly competitive, but that challenge is what drives us to be even better. I'm committed to giving everything I have to contribute to our team's success in the Big 12 and to make the University of Houston proud.
Being part of the Big 12 Conference is a tremendous opportunity for us to grow and improve. We're going to face some outstanding teams, but this level of competition will undoubtedly elevate our game. I genuinely believe we are well-prepared, and together, we'll make our mark in the Big 12.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Your encouragement is what fuels our determination to excel on the tennis court. Stay tuned for more exciting matches and moments ahead. We can't wait to share this journey with you.
Go Coogs!
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12. Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN the CENTER COURT CLUB
Fans are invited to join the Center Court Club to support Houston Tennis. Center Court Club members provide financial support directly to Houston Tennis for needs beyond the program's operating budget. For more information and to donate, fans can click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarTennis on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarTennis or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougartennis.
– UHCougars.com –
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