WASHINGTON (July 19, 2022) – Howard University junior public relations major, sports administration and sociology minor Jade Spurlock discuss the experiences of recent graduate Kendall Addison (Charlotte) and her journey playing on the women's tennis team.
 
Q: Before discussing your time with the women's tennis team, tell us about yourself.
A: Sure, my name is Kendall Addison and I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I graduated from Howard University's College of Arts and Science with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry.
 
Q: When did you first become interested in tennis?
A: I started playing tennis at nine years old. When I first started, I hated working out despite being there from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but after the first week, I fell in love with the sport, the environment, and the grind. I loved how I felt after hitting the ball and the feeling of winning. I won my first ever tournament, which sparked the drive and determination that I continue to have today.
 
Q: How has playing tennis impacted your life?
A: Tennis has been a blessing. I have learned invaluable lessons and skills that I will use for the rest of my life. My discipline, confidence, and work-ethic came from being a tennis player. I have made lifelong friends and will always value the fitness journey.
 
Q: What made you want to play tennis at Howard?
A: I was instantly drawn to Howard because we are one of the few HBCU tennis teams that were an all-Black and African team. I wanted to be surrounded by teammates and student-athletes who would understand me.
 
Also, I was excited about the city life and Howard's great Dental School. After meeting the team, I was convinced that Howard was the place for me.
 
Q: How did you balance training, academics and social life?
A: I didn't have a hard time balancing training, academics and social life. My schedule stayed pretty similar during the transition from high school to college in terms of how I managed my time. It's all about time management and discipline.
 
Q: What will you miss most about playing at Howard?
A: I'll miss the match day routine and playing alongside my teammates, especially the team huddle. When the team bonded and shared cute moments, it made all the long days and early mornings worth it.
 
Q: Looking back, what is your fondest memory of playing this sport?
A: My fondest memory was during a tournament in Cary, North Carolina because we won all our matches with a great support system. Our energy was unmatched.
 
It felt great to see our hard work pay off, but it felt even better to perform well against teams who underestimated us. We won and changed the narrative of Howard Tennis.
 
Q: What were your preferred pre-game, locker room and post-game routines?
A: My pre-game routine started with meditation, followed by a playlist that started with Kirk Franklin and ended with Young Nudy. I would always take the time to focus and leave all distractions off the court.
 
Q: Who is/was the most significant influence in your life (sports and non-sports related)?
A: Althea Gibson (American Tennis Player) and Ma Rainey (American Singer) have significantly influenced my life because they both faced and overcame adversity while paving the way for those to come. Without these strong black women, I would not have the courage to follow my passions today.
 
Q: What is one important lesson you've learned from your coach?
A: My coach taught me the importance of having standards because the standards that she had for the team elevated our level of play during practice and matches. In her first year, the standards and achievements for the tennis program led us to have more equipment and recognition, a winning record, and making the MEAC championships.
 
Q: Using one word, how do you think your teammates would have described you?
A: Magnetic because people are naturally drawn to me. Maybe it's my aura (lol).
 
Q: What are your plans post-graduation?
A: I plan to enter the hospitality/ business industry where I can use my marketing and project management skills.
 
I will also continue to sing and create music as I am working on an EP right now!
 
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to a fellow student-athlete or future Bison, what would it be?
A: My advice would be to take time to focus on your mental health. As student-athlete, we often prioritize everything but ourselves. We play our sports, do our work, make time for friends, etc.
 
Our mental health is equally important as our physical health but often neglected. Even if only for 30 minutes a day, find time to relax and decompress. If you can't find the time, make time.
 
About Kendall:

• Personal:
  • Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Major: Biology
  • Minor: Chemistry
• Academic:
  • Graduates Magna Cum Laude
  • MEAC All-Academic Team

 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.