University of Southern Maine Picks Clare Winner in Colburn

“I applied to the scholarship in hopes of earning maybe $500 because anything helps, but $20,000 dollars was a very big surprise,” Colburn said. “I feel grateful and honored to represent my tennis community by earning this scholarship, and I hope other girls from my team will step up and apply for this award. Our girls are some of the most well rounded athletes who are passionate about an array of things including tennis,”

Throughout her playing career, Colburn competed in USTA junior tournaments and Junior Team Tennis, but it was on her high school team where she left her mark. She served as captain for two seasons, an experience she put her heart and soul into and one she hopes will pay dividends in the future.

“During this season, I really kicked it into high gear as a captain. I feel that it is so important to give your students the same kind of experience that you want, so by coaching with that mindset, everyone can be treated on the same plane,” she said. “I want to eventually start coaching because I believe tennis should be fun and inclusive, while also having elements of hard work and personal leadership. I hope to bring others the joy that tennis brings me in a manner that accepts anyone.”

Colburn attended her first coaching workshop in July – USTA’s L1 Workshop at Salve Regina University. She and 16 other aspiring coaches spent two days on court learning about coaching principles and building skills to teach beginner to low intermediate players of all ages. This is the first step to becoming a certified L1 coach. 

While the USTA L1 Workshop was her first “official” coaching clinic, Colburn has gained valuable leadership experience through volunteer and mentorship efforts. She has spent countless hours since the seventh grade working with young children at the Central Lincoln County YMCA.

From assisting after school with red ball players to volunteering with ACEing Autism and even putting together art kits for the Y’s Stay and Play program to benefit families in the community, Colburn truly understands the meaning of service.   

“I volunteer for these organizations not in hopes of winning awards or boosting my resume, but to give back to my tennis community and to the coaches who have guided me over the years,” Colburn said. 

“Members of the Y and my community, including Cinda Holbach, Lisa Gilbride and Georgia Alhers, have been there for me most of my life. Cinda was my mentor from ages 6-14, and she certainly taught me grace and respect on the court. I owe most of my childhood tennis experience to her and Lisa, and Georgia has been a consistent leadership figure in my life since age 11 when I met her at tennis camp. Ever since, we have been playing together as she leads the high school clinic at our Y.”