Helping Kean University's Women's Tennis team, Alyssa Peterson, was part of the team earning its third straight 5-4 win against Baruch College.
Peterson was awarded NJAC Tennis Player of the Week for the week of Monday, October 17, 2016. She was with tennis player Anna Chan when they both picked up wins at the second doubles to take a 2-1 lead.
She is a junior majoring in Early Childhood Education, content area English Writing. Peterson use to commute from Middlesex, NJ, and decided to dorm this year. One might wonder how she ended up at Kean University.
"From the first time that I stepped on Kean's campus, I knew that I could picture myself going to school here. I did not look at many other colleges. The other schools that I looked at did not even have a tennis team. Ultimately, I decided to play tennis as Kean because I knew I wasn't ready to give up the game," she says. "Kean [University] has given me so many opportunities that I never thought were possible. Within my first year at Kean [University], I became a part of the Leadership Institute, and a General Education Mentor. Throughout my past three years here, I have made many new friends and memories, and I hope there are more to come."
Peterson started playing tennis when she was 13, and also basketball and track during high school. She ultimately chose tennis and eventually decided to be part of the Kean University's Women's Tennis team.
"Tennis is a stress reliever for me. When you are on the court, you are only thinking about what is happening in that moment and nothing else. There is not much else that does that for me," Peterson says.
She plays fourth singles and second doubles, in which she took part of during the win against Baruch College.
"Tennis is very different from other sports. Tennis is an individual sport. Even if the team loses overall, you can still win as an individual. I also like playing doubles in tennis. It is an amazing feeling when you find a partner to play with. My doubles partner and I clicked from the very beginning because we both share the love of determination that comes along with the game. That is something that not a lot of athletes can say, as they are all working on the individual level in their game," Peterson says. "Tennis is a mental game. In singles, you are on the court all by yourself. If you are having a bad day, or get yourself down because you messed up during a point or game, it is hard to boost yourself back up."
During sophomore year of high school, Peterson had two foot surgeries. Many people, including herself, were doubtful that she would ever play again.
"At that point, I thought about walking away, but because of my love for the game, I fought through the pain. If I had given up at that moment, I would not be in the position that I am in today," she proudly states.
During the week of Monday, October 10, 2016, Peterson's team had the opportunity to play a match where the US Open is held. Ever since she started playing tennis, she would watch the US Open, and even dreamed of going to watch the professionals play. For her, getting to actually play on those courts gave her the best feeling in the world.
"I will never forget that. That would be my best memory regarding this sport," she says. "Honestly, I was shocked when I heard I was titled NJAC Tennis Player of the Week. I never thought I would have a chance to earn the title. It was also an amazing feeling because my doubles partner had been named Rookie of the Week back in the beginning of the season. Being a student athlete is pressuring itself. If you do not have the correct GPA, you can not play. Also balancing clubs, activities, relationships, and a job with a sport can put more pressure on you."
Although Peterson does feel pressured sometimes, it has not stopped her from playing the sport she loves. Her family was excited for her because this was her first conference title in the three years that she has been playing for Kean University.
"My parents inspired me to continue my education as well as tennis career. My parents are my number one fans. They would come to all my sporting events in high school, and come to every tennis match that they can during my collegiate tennis career," she says. "My family was very supportive. They encouraged me every step of the way and supported me whenever I was having a tough time balancing it all."
After graduation, Peterson plans to continue playing tennis by coaching. She hopes to return to her high school to coach, or even coach for Kean University.
"Every summer, I go back to my high school and help the girl's tennis team practice. Most of the girls will ask me questions about being a college athlete. I hope that by providing them with my experiences that they will realize that any goal is within reach, and that they will take up sports in college as well," Peterson adds.
She also hopes to continue working at the preschool she currently works at now. As of now, she is debating whether or not she should attend graduate school.
Peterson advises, "Never give up on your dreams. Just because you or someone else tells you that you can't do something does not mean they are right. You are your biggest opponent. Once you get past yourself, you can get past anyone."
