Zoe Spence - Notre Dame Tennis
“Thus far, my college tennis career has involved the expected highs and lows that accompany big wins and unexpected losses. However, it might be surprising for people to know that the most important aspect of my college career has actually revolved around off-court team leadership opportunities and challenges as Notre Dame’s ‘first’.”
“Three important lessons emerge from these experiences that I believe define me as a collegiate athlete, and that directly align with what society needs right now. First, creating an inclusive community lays the foundation for current and future success. Second, pro-active leadership isn’t just about the actions of the captain. Although this year I am a team captain, I know from the past three years that leadership extends to individual actions. Third, uplifting and supporting one another can help people to transcend individual circumstances, even those we may not be aware of.”
“As Notre Dame's first African-American scholarship women's tennis player, I created and launched FreshSuspence as a way to showcase the everyday life experiences of collegiate student-athletes. I want to provide a space for student-athletes to communicate and to support and encourage one another. It is also a great way to help others learn the ‘ins and outs’ of being a collegiate student-athlete from athletes themselves! Together our insights can support and inspire!”
“Uplifting and supporting one another can help people to transcend individual circumstances, even those we may not be aware of. In 2018 I launched FreshSuspence (@freshsuspence), a national campaign that allows student-athletes to share their everyday life experiences. You would be surprised at the number of heartfelt messages I receive from people telling me how they appreciate knowing that others share their experiences.”
“It’s important right now for us to remember that the current emphasis on self-isolation does not mean we shouldn’t find ways to support one another. Quite the opposite, it means we have to try harder to be there for each other.”
