Nebraska Native, Hawkeye Player, Working at the US Open

As one of the top high school tennis players in Nebraska, Samantha Mannix never dropped a match during her four years at Elkhorn South High School. She then accepted a full ride to the University of Iowa, where she just wrapped up her collegiate career after playing five years for the Hawkeyes. 

“It was so fun to be able to travel, eat, laugh, and compete with my team,” Mannix recalled. “Not only did I love competing and winning as a team, but college tennis really taught me how to deal with adversity. There were plenty of highs, but there were also some lows in my time. College tennis holds a special place in my heart, because it made me grow into a better teammate and person.”

During her time in Iowa City, Mannix earned an undergraduate degree in Sport and Recreation Management and Communication Studies, and a master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Management.

“I feel extremely grateful to the sport of tennis and everything that it has given me,” she said. “Ever since I was a little girl, it has always been my greatest passion. From playing junior tournaments to high school matches to Division I college tennis, tennis has always been a constant in my life and it motivates me like nothing else does”

Last year Mannix interned at the Western and Southern Open Tournament in Cincinnati, and later as a communications assistant for pro player, Madison Keys. This year she’s interning in the US Open as a Player Services Seasonal Coordinator. In this role she does whatever she can to help players with things such as transportation, scheduling practice courts, locker rooms and more. 

 “I would say staying in tennis is important to me,” she said. “I would love to stay in this sport and positively impact as many other tennis players and fans as I can.”

She will be able to do that after the US Open as she starts working as an assistant coach at the University of Florida. She is hoping to get as many professional experiences as possible to see what her future will hold. As for returning to the Midwest, that’s up in the air.

“When assessing working in collegiate or professional tennis, it is tough to say if I'll come back to Nebraska or Iowa,” she said. “I will of course visit and come home for the holidays, but there aren't as many job opportunities in what I am potentially pursuing. I do love the Midwest, so you never know!”