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Towson Tennis Mascot
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By: Katie Timinsky
The culmination, and arguably, the most exciting aspect of the Tennis On Campus program is the USTA National Campus Championship. For three days 64 teams from all parts of the country compete against one another to see who will be successful in their battle for the National Championship title.
Valerie Collins, a member of the Towson University Club Team, won’t be competing at Nationals this year but she has already proven to be a success and might just argue that the Championship isn’t the most exciting part; the most exciting part for her is being able to play tennis at all.
"I was born without a tibia bone in my right leg so when I started to walk at 9 months my parents decided that it would be the best idea to get my leg amputated," said Collins. "I wear a prosthetic leg and unlike what most people might think, it hasn’t kept me from doing the things I love, especially playing tennis."
Growing up Valerie competed in many sports including softball, basketball and soccer. It wasn’t until her freshman year of high school however that she began playing tennis.
Collins now plays on Towson University’s Tennis On Campus Club team where she has competed competitively against clubs from all over the state of Maryland.
"Valerie is such an inspiration to the team," said Club President Ross Friedman. "She doesn’t like to miss practices and you can tell she works hard. Even if she did have two legs, the commitment and hard work she puts in is incomparable to others on the team," said Ross.
Despite her dedication and positive attitude there have still been a few obstacles along the way. Constantly having to adjust with her right leg, Collins, has to work harder than the average tennis player. Movement has always been a problem for Valerie, but her tennis strokes alone are enough to beat a competitor.
"If there is something I want, I go for it," Valerie says. "I vowed to never let what happened to me determine how I will live my life. I will never back down from a challenge because ultimately it makes me stronger," she added.
While her team may not be competing at this year’s National Championship, Valerie is proof that the Tennis On Campus program isn’t just about winning.
"I love what Tennis On Campus has allowed me to do," Valerie stated. "It can truly be whatever you want it to be, whether you’re winning or not. Tennis On Campus has given me the opportunity to not only learn and love the sport but has also been the gateway for me to continue playing tennis for the rest of my life."
Valerie would love to compete at Nationals one day but until then she is perfectly happy just playing tennis with her team.
Click here for more news and photos from the 2011 USTA National Campus Championship.