Junior Spotlight on Jill Saunders

Junior Spotlight on Jill Saunders

Jill Saunders is one of Eastern Pennsylvania's brightest and youngest new stars. At 10 years of age she has compiled an impressive 16-5 match record in section (SR) play, and is currently ranked 13th among 12 year old girls in the Middle States.

2001 has been a turning point in Jill's love for tennis. While her dad first put a racquet in her hand at 18 months, it wasn't until last year when she met Bill Adams, of the Adams International Tennis Academy in Allentown. Things "clicked" right away, and she decided to make tennis a career.

Since the Spring of 2000, Jill practices 5 days/week, 4 hours a day at the Academy. Workouts include lessons with Bill or an Academy instructor, sparring sessions and footwork. "Mechanically, Jill is already one of the best girls on the junior tournament circuit," says Adams. "She loves to do the work. That's a critical trait found in every tournament star."

Being homeschooled hasn't hurt Jill either. The individualized instruction expedites her studies and allows her to get on the court while other kids are still in school. The extra two to three hours has accelerated her tennis progress, as well. In 2001, her first year of competition, she managed to win the Little Mo sectionals in Philadelphia, finish 3rd in the Regionals and 5th in the Nationals in Austin. She also won 3 out of her five district tournaments over the summer.. Jill won the backdraw at the Masters in Erie this fall.

"I really love to travel and meet new friends at all these tournaments", says Jill. "Friendships help to take the 'butterflies' away, especially when you see the draw and you discover your new buddy is your next opponent."

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