University of North Carolina Athletics
My Carolina Experience: Tessa Lyons
April 19, 2016 | Women's Tennis
My Carolina Experience: Tessa Lyons
As a current Division 1 assistant coach watching high school tennis players compete in tournaments and go through the process I went through almost seven years ago, all I want to do is repeatedly give my 17-year-old self a big hug. Choosing a university to spend the four most formative years of your life is an overwhelming and important decision for a young adult to make, but when I got to Carolina on Labor Day weekend in 2009 all doubt was laid to rest.
That was also the 100-Year Anniversary Weekend of Carolina Basketball. The other recruits and I toured the basketball museum at the same time as Vince Carter and Antawn Jamison and I remember thinking that it was surprising they would take the time to come back. I was in awe then but looking back it just exemplified the Carolina Family and the strength of tradition that people always talk about in reference to UNC. That weekend confirmed to me that I wanted to be included in that family, thus I committed and began my journey as a Tar Heel.
I couldn't have been more nervous starting school. The unknowns were unsettling, but that fear quickly dissipated into comfort as I settled into my new life as a student athlete. All teams spend countless hours together between practices, classes, and traveling, so when they're just eight other people on your team you get to know each other really well and really quickly. Thanks to my built-in support system the transition into the Carolina Family felt almost instantaneous.
Athletically, I was intimidated but ready to jump right in. The returning players had just been a part of the most successful year in program history and finished third in the nation as a team. After our first team meeting, I knew Chapel Hill was in a place I'd call home for the rest of my life and amongst people and a culture that supported that. There wasn't anything that could motivate me more than my new teammates; because of them tennis was no longer an individual sport and I was playing for something much bigger than myself.
I realized as I continued to mature at Carolina that my new family extended far beyond my teammates and coaches. The student-athlete community was so supportive and motivating to be a part of. At a school notorious for continuous success across all teams, you witnessed the behind-the-scenes hard work that made their programs great. When one program excelled, it raised the bar for everyone else to be better and train harder. I lived with a cross country runner as well as softball, volleyball, and lacrosse players over the course of my college career. We all endured the 6 a.m. work outs and the days after where you thought your body would forever be that sore.
Their teammates then became my friends and eventually became friends with my teammates. It was a support system that never stopped growing. Come match day they came out to cheer me on just as I would do for them. The girls I lived with were more than just extremely talented athletes, they were caring and commendable people whose friendships I am so grateful to have.
Across all four years, my 14 different teammates pushed me day-in and day-out. Each one of them taught me what it takes to be a champion on and off the court. Each team as a unit had its own dynamic that I love reminiscing about. I spent my first three years doing my best to make sure the seniors went out on top, pushing aside the fact that I would have to be a senior one day too. When that day came it was the scariest thing I had ever faced, but because I had watched seven of my best friends do it with such fearlessness I knew I would be okay. Even as my college career ended I felt confident in what I was leaving behind because I had been taught by people who gave their heart and soul to this school. I can say without a doubt I did that when I played my last match in a North Carolina uniform.
Everyone told me back in 2011 to cherish my moments at Carolina because the years would fly by. I would childishly look at them and say “I heard that” but not really believe it. While I now know it is true, I would not tell that to an incoming freshman or current student-athletes. Instead, I would tell them how honored they should feel attending such a prestigious university and competing at the highest level daily. I would say, understand how many resources you have and use them to your advantage. Ask for help when you need it and ask others if they need help. You have such an amazing platform being a Tar Heel, do not let it go to waste. Enjoy each and every day you put on your uniform because those moments will shape you into the person you will be for the rest of your life.
I'll never forget the pride I felt to be a part of the infamous “I am a Tar Heel” video as a freshman, and seeing it on the video board at the first football game of the season because it never went away. The fear I had as a freshman that turned into pure happiness within weeks of calling myself a Tar Heel helps me accept challenges head on now, and I know I can tackle any challenge in my future because of my family at UNC.
Sincerely,
Tessa Lyons
UNC Women's Tennis Class of 2014
Wallingford, Pa.
