Think you’re a tough competitor? Spend a few minutes on court with Steph White and see how you match up.

 

White, from Kennett Square, Pa., has used drive and toughness to make a name for herself in local tennis circles. A former standout Tennis On Campus player at Penn State University, she competes frequently in USTA League Tennis and through other play all over the section.

 

“I’m definitely competitive. I think it’s what keeps me going,” White said. “I was kind of raised that way. I think that goes back a while.”

 

Regardless of how long it goes back, White’s outlook on the court comes down to something even more simple.

 

“Really, I just love to play tennis.”

 

White began playing at age 4 with her father and brother. Other sports like soccer, volleyball and lacrosse helped build her athletic skills, but tennis stuck throughout her junior years. ADVERTISEMENT Having a father who loved tennis certainly helped, and with her brother into the game, that added even more to the experience.

 

“We would both play in tournaments and go to each other’s events,” she said. “That definitely was a motivator.”

 

White became a standout at Kennett High School and loved the team aspect of the game.

 

“I loved cheering on everybody and being part of that team environment,” she said. “It was different than what you have taking lessons and playing tournaments as a junior. It makes it really memorable.”

 

That experience also helped drive White to Penn State, where she opted to play Tennis On Campus instead of pursuing varsity tennis. She was a standout there for four years, advancing to Middle States Section Championships and USTA National Championships each season.

 

Being on a Tennis On Campus team, White had time to play competitively, but also focus on her studies as she pursued a degree in Risk Management.

 

Her favorite part about playing Tennis On Campus?

 

“I think playing mixed doubles was the most fun,” she said. “It’s fast-paced and so competitive. It’s a different style that I still like to play today. And still maintaining that team environment was great.”

 

Four years of college came and went, but graduation didn’t mean leaving tennis behind. White immediately connected with teams through USTA League Tennis, which she had initially gotten connected with during her breaks from school. Lately she’s played 4.5 and 5.0 leagues. She also enjoys playing paddle.

 

“The last couple of years, I’ve really tried to get better and improve each season,” she said. “A 5.0 rating seemed unattainable, but playing and playing — eventually it was something I was able to do.”

 

White’s teammates call her dependable and a great teammate. They say she plays with fire, and is a ton of fun to have on the court.

 

In her mid 20s, life is busy. White plays as much as she can as she continues to build upon her career. She’s even now planning a wedding with her fiancé.

 

So what’s next? No matter what, she’s certainly making room for tennis.

 

“I’d love to captain one day and experience that side of it,” she said. “For now, I’m having a good time competing.”

 

USTA League Tennis is organized as competitive team match play. Teams are made up of a minimum of five to eight players, depending on division. Teams are set up according to NTRP ratings, so your teammates and opponents will be at your skill level. The competition is exciting, the atmosphere is social and since players compete on teams, you have a built-in cheering section. Overall, more than 300,000 players compete in USTA League, each year. Learn more about USTA League opportunities here, or, if you just want someone to contact you about it, fill out this simple form.