A Journey From 3.5 to 5.0 in Three Years (Part Two)

In this second part of a two-part episode, Carolyn and Erin continue their conversation with Jen, a tennis player who rapidly climbed from a 3.5 to a 5.0 rating in just three years. Jen shares her emotional reaction to being bumped to 5.0—crying upon receiving the email, not out of pride, but because the level change meant losing access to the vibrant, accessible recreational tennis community she had built. She reflects on how the USTA’s structure, while excellent for beginners and intermediate players, offers limited pathways for elite players like her, especially in her area where only one 5.0 league exists and it’s on Sundays—conflicting with her family time. Despite appealing the bump, her request was denied, leaving her feeling both proud and displaced. The episode also highlights Jen’s intense dedication: weekly lessons, rigorous training, and a strong athletic foundation from other sports. The hosts and Jen share humorous and touching stories from the court, including a match where an opponent broke down in tears mid-game, begging to return to the earlier, losing position. Jen recounts two of her most memorable moments: winning a high school state championship in a small school and competing at Nationals, where she proudly wore the podcast’s sticker. The conversation underscores the emotional and social value of tennis beyond skill level, and the bittersweet reality of outgrowing the very community that helped you grow.