Penelope Smith
Genesis
High school sophomore Penelope Smith attends an online E-school, which is an advanced charter academy in Oklahoma. She’s also a member of the Genesis Health Club where she trains in tennis.
“I really love the coaches that are at Genesis right now and how what we are doing at practices is based on what we need to work on as individuals and how we feel about certain shots,” Smith said.
Genesis has given athletes like Smith the opportunity to train with some of the best coaches in the area. The training Smith and others receive at Genesis serves to prepare them for the next level.
“Over the last nine months, Genesis has been able to bring Bruno in and get Hardija to return. They have also been able to create schedules where I get increased court time with Bruno, Gustavo, and Hardija, who have all played a big part in tennis for me,” said Smith. “After I graduate high school, I know I want to play Division I college tennis, but I don’t know what I want to major in.”
Smith said Genesis has helped her build on her strengths and improve in areas making her a complete player.
“One of my strengths is attacking or being able to hit hard and make opponents feel pressure. Something I am working on is my agility and footwork on court and being able to recognize the short balls and take full advantage of them,” Smith said.
The impact the coaching staff has had on Smith and others is significant.
“A few former coaches have left a big impact on me. Angie Rains started me with a solid foundation to grow on. Jan Steenekamp really helped me learn how to love tennis. Another former coach was Chris Canady, he really helped me start to believe in myself and show myself that I can do big things,” said Smith. “A current coach that has already had an impact on me is Bruno, just in the short amount of time he has been here, he has helped me start to put my game together and has helped to increase the intensity of practices.”
As a student-athlete, Smith said being active in sports has taught her lessons she will carry with her throughout her life.
“Athletics has taught me how to deal with tough situations and have resilience to be able to problem solve and fight back. It has also taught me how to build discipline and time management skills when it comes to managing my schedule and school,” Smith said.
