Tennis on Campus Spotlight:  Grace Koza  

Grace Koza is a junior currently studying at Purdue University, but that's only part of her identity. Ask anyone who knows the bright and energetic young woman, and they will tell you that Grace's heart belongs on the tennis court. 

From a very early age, Grace and her brother were spending time on the tennis courts with both of their parents, who came from a strong tennis background. Some of Grace's very first memories were hitting balls back to her father, Mark.

Mark began the Koza family tradition of tennis at an early age as well. When he started to compete on the junior circuit at the age of 10, he discovered the elegance of the game and the intricacies of crafting a point. Mark soon started spending hours on the court, improving little by little with the encouragement of his friends and family. 

When the time came, then, for Mark to choose a college where his tennis career could continue, it was quite the shock when Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Ind. won Mark's bid. But during a last-minute recruiting trip, Mark was thoroughly impressed by all the Big Ten school had to offer. Mark relocated from Colorado to Indiana to play four years of college tennis, thus creating the second Koza family tradition: a deep love of Purdue University. 

Grace grew up an avid Purdue fan, so it was a no brainer for her to choose the school for her own collegiate experience. Knowing that she did not want the full commitment of becoming a member of the varsity team, but not wanting tennis to leave her life, Grace joined the Tennis on Campus team.

As a freshman, Grace knew little about the structure of Tennis on Campus, but once she met her team and began playing, she was hooked. 

"It's not a very common sport, at least I don’t know a lot of people my age who play," said Grace. "So, it's nice to come here and make those tennis connections and find other people who can play."

After her first year of playing in different tournaments and meeting other players from universities around the country, Grace was elected president of the student-run organization. From last year to this year, Grace has been in charge of 50 players on the team and was able to host a 16-team tournament recently. The junior also led her team to a victory at the 15th Annual Badger Classic, one of the largest, student-run tournaments in the country.

Mark could not be prouder of how Grace's leadership skills have flourished and the individuals with which she has surrounded herself. As a parent, Mark is an adamant supporter of Tennis on Campus.

"I was pretty blown away by the whole vibe of club tennis, "said Mark. "It was such a positive environment, yet it was extremely competitive.

"I think the comradery is really amazing, especially at a larger school. You meet someone with a common interest, and it's unparalleled."

Grace says that she is incredibly thankful she can continue the sport she loves through college, a passion she owes to her parents.

"Tennis brings me back to who I am and what I want to do," said Grace. "It's a good release and a good escape; for me, club tennis is my family here at Purdue."

When Grace leaves behind her days at Purdue, she will always have the memories and lasting friendships through her Tennis on Campus experience. 

“When I look back at my Purdue years, club tennis is one of the best decisions I could have made in college," said Grace. "I’ve met people I never thought I would meet, I’ve met people from China, India and other places, which is fascinating.

"We have all of these differences and different majors, but we all love tennis and can all come together. Even though we might not understand each other, we can just hit the tennis ball.”

Learn more about how you can get involved with Tennis on Campus here.