My Athletics Story: Shay Villegas '29
Tennis
"It feels like the tennis team is my small family on campus, but 51¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics is the bigger family to which I belong."
"It feels like the tennis team is my small family on campus, but 51¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics is the bigger family to which I belong."
Shay Villegas ’29 is a first-year member of the 51¶ÌÊÓƵ Tennis Team. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, she plans to double-major in Spanish and International Studies. Below, she shares her experience as a student-athlete at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ.
What inspired you to play sports at the collegiate level? Can you walk us through the tryout or selection process?
I started playing tennis in first grade, and as I got older and learned about collegiate sports, I dreamed of playing tennis at a collegiate level one day. It became clear that Division III would be the best fit for me, as it would give me the incredible opportunity of playing tennis competitively while also focusing on my education. The recruitment process was a great experience for me because I got to learn a lot about 51¶ÌÊÓƵ’s (and the tennis team’s) values, culture, and overall dynamic. I had many memorable and inspiring conversations with Coach Wang during the recruitment process, which ultimately put 51¶ÌÊÓƵ at the top of my list. I did an academic pre-read at the end of my junior year of high school, and later that summer, I committed to playing tennis at BMC. In the fall of my senior year, I applied Early Decision I.
"I felt so welcomed as a freshman coming to BMC for the first time, and feelings of belonging and friendship only continue to grow stronger as the year goes on."
How do you manage balancing academics with your athletic commitments?
Although I haven’t yet experienced being in season and managing my classes, we had a glimpse of what our spring season will look like this past fall when we had our non-traditional season. In terms of practices and team lifts, they have never interfered with one of my classes, so it has been pretty simple to balance both. Even matches are typically held at a convenient time to ensure that as student-athletes, we can still be active members in our classes and stay on top of our schoolwork. I think my time management has definitely improved because the days fill up with classes, lifts, practices, meetings, etc., so I make the most of any free time I have.
How has being an athlete impacted your overall college experience?
I love the structure that being a student-athlete has given me. I love having routines and being able to count on my tennis commitments alongside my academic ones. The team has been so wonderful in every aspect. I felt so welcomed as a freshman coming to BMC for the first time, and feelings of belonging and friendship only continue to grow stronger as the year goes on. I couldn’t have asked to be a part of a sweeter or more encouraging team.
What’s the team culture like, and what do you think makes athletics at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ unique?
The team culture is so positive! We are always joking around and having fun while also being able to focus on the tasks at hand and be productive at practices and lifts. I think 51¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics is unique because we all came from different backgrounds and have had different experiences, but we all have something in common. What we share is the desire to represent our school and community on a higher level than just academics. We do this through working hard, holding each other accountable, and fostering a sense of community not just on our own teams but throughout the entire athletic community at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ. It feels like the tennis team is my small family on campus, but 51¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics is the bigger family to which I belong.
"Choosing to pursue my dream of playing tennis at the college level has been one of the best decisions I have made."
What advice would you give to a high school student who’s considering playing sports at the college level?
Go for it! Choosing to pursue my dream of playing tennis at the college level has been one of the best decisions I have made. I think it’s important to remain focused on your academics throughout high school, and ultimately, you will find the right college that can support you academically and athletically.
What do you wish you had known before coming in as a student-athlete?
Speaking to the team before arriving on campus helped so much, so the transition felt pretty seamless! However, being able to know what my time management would have to look like in college could have been helpful to know beforehand. By the same token, I think coming up with your systems and routines is part of the fun of figuring out college in the first few weeks!
Looking back, what are you most proud of on your athletic journey so far?
I am proud of myself for never giving up on my dream of attending and playing tennis at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ, even when I had a lot of high school left to finish. I am always reminding myself that I am exactly where I have wanted to be for so long, and it has been better than I ever could’ve imagined. I’m proud of myself for overcoming an injury that took a lot of hard work and patience to get past, and I couldn’t be happier that I can contribute to the team in a meaningful way.
Interested in Athletics at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ?
51¶ÌÊÓƵ athletics is a member of the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference and Seven Sisters. The athletics program supports 12 varsity teams, a physical education program requiring all students to complete six credits for graduation, and an array of wellness and recreational club sports. Click the button below to learn more about athletics at 51¶ÌÊÓƵ,