Tennis has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember—since before I could even walk. Some of my earliest memories involve watching my brother play while I sat on the sidelines. I can still vividly remember the time he accidentally dropped me head-first from a basket on the tennis court.

Being named after Rafael Nadal, people often call me Rafa, especially since I share his left-handedness. Nadal’s mental toughness, resilience, and "never-give-up" mentality have always been a source of inspiration for me, both on and off the court.

Though I may not have reached the level to be recruited for college tennis, this has never dampened my passion for the sport. Over the years, I’ve won local tournaments and played Varsity tennis throughout all four years of high school. During my sophomore year, our high school team finished 7th at the National High School Team Competition. In my junior and senior years, I was honored to be named team captain, and I received the Coach’s Award, which holds special significance for me.

Tennis has taught me invaluable life lessons—how to channel my emotions, handle pressure, and body language. These skills have not only improved my game but also shaped who I am today, both as an athlete and a person. This sport will forever hold a special place in my heart, driving me to push myself to become a better player.