Brittany is a young talented professional tennis player who started taking interest in tennis while watching her brother A.J. Her passion, great discipline and dedication have made her in winner in various championships. Brittany’s achievements include 2017 ESPY Honorary Award, INAS International World Number 1 Ranked Women’s Tennis Player 2014, Special Olympics Florida State Championship Gold Medal Winner for Women’s Singles 2007 – 2014, Gold Medal Winner in 2015 in the Men’s Division and many others. Other than tennis she loves to volunteer at Dogs Unlimited. We wish Brittany god speed in her pursuit of her dream of becoming a World Champion Tennis Player.

Can you tell us more about your journey of becoming a professional tennis player? How has your brother A.J. inspired you to play tennis?B:  My journey of becoming a professional tennis player began 9 years ago. I have the passion and determination to strive toward my goals every day. I train 5-6 days a week on and off the court. I have a strong support system that begins with my family who loves me. I work on the tennis court with my coach to refine my technique and work on strategies so that I can continue to become a better and stronger tennis player. I have multiple hitting partners that help me. I do strength training and conditioning to help me become stronger and faster.
I have always loved my brother and looked up to him even though he is younger than me. He has always been such a great athlete and competitor in whatever sport he does. When I saw how good he was on the tennis court in such a short time, I wanted to do the same.

Which one is your most memorable tennis tournament? How do you usually prepare yourself for the tournaments?B:  My most memorable tennis tournament is when I won the INAS World Tennis Championships in Mont-de-Marsan, France. My mom told me that if I played my game that I could win the tournament. Some times I get nervous and hold back which does not allow me to play to my full potential. I was glad that I was able to hit my shots and not be so nervous. It was the first time I got to play on red clay courts and I loved winning the medals and trophies for my country.
I make sure I eat healthy meals the day before and during the tournament. I have a pregame ritual that begins by running several laps around the court to help eliminate nerves. I then do tennis running drills to help with my footwork, practice my groundstrokes, volleys, return of serves, and serves. I usually need about 45 minutes on the court before my match to get my strokes warmed up and my timing right. I also like to put on headphones and listen to music before every match.

Who is your favorite tennis player? If you need to ask one question to your favorite tennis player, what will be your question?B: I like Rafael Nadal because he and I are both left-handed players and I hit with a lot of topspin like him. He never looks scared or nervous when he steps out on the court, and he always stays focused. I hope to be able to do the same one day, and I especially hope to meet him and maybe even play with him as my doubles partner in a charity event. What a great thrill that would be!
How do you stay focused on the court and not get nervous?

What is your favorite place to visit and why?B: I like to visit Australia. I got to watch Nadal play in the Australian Open. I also got to see a koala and lots of kangaroos.

What do you like to do when you are with your family?B: I like to go boating with my family. We have always had dogs as pets, and we consider them family too. They love to swim in our pool. I like to throw tennis balls into our pool and watch them jump into the pool to retrieve them and bring the balls back to me for another round of “pool fetch”. I also like to go out to eat dinner with my family.

Any special message for our community?B: My message for the community would be that you are perfect the way you are. Having an intellectual disability does not render you incapable of accomplishing greatness, the lack of trying does.