‘Makes Me Teary Eyed’- 22YO Alycia Parks Recalls Family’s ‘Struggle’ as Parents’ Sacrifice Paved the Way for a Career in Tennis

Breaking her way into the WTA scene, Alycia Parks has sent shockwaves around the tour. The 22-year-old American player, who possesses immense potential, is regarded by many as one of the upcoming gems in tennis. However, her journey to stardom has never been easy. Throughout her journey, she has soldiered through struggles and hardships, which has brought her to the stage where she is today. In a recent interview, Parks reflected on her uphill journey.

Highlighting the struggles that she went through, she reflected on her roots as she discussed her pillars of strength. The efforts paid off and how! In those times of crises, Parks mentioned how a crucial call from the USTA came in as a big sign of relief.

Alycia Parks reflects on the early struggles she went through

The remarkable ascent of Alycia Parks, a rising star in American tennis, tells a tale of familial dedication and unshakable determination. In a recent interview, Parks looks back into her early struggles, shedding light on her parents’ backing that ignited her game and helped her through the tennis scene.

From the moment Parks first grasped a racquet, her vision was only one: to play professional tennis. Her parents, recognizing her potential, embarked on a journey of sacrifices. Parks recalls her parents’ commitment, citing it to be one major reason why she made it big.

“When I picked up a racquet I always wanted to play professionally, so my parents were like — obviously they saw the potential and they sacrificed a lot,” Parks said.

Their support materialized in practical ways, prioritizing tournaments within driving range due to financial constraints. As Parks embarked on her journey, her parents bore the financial burden, offering crucial assistance.

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However, a turning point arrived when the USTA took notice, extending an offer to relocate to the USTA National Tennis Campus in Florida for intensive training.

“I just remember my parents saying USTA gave them a call and they kind of scouted me and my sister in a tournament, and they wanted us to move to Florida and train with them at the USTA National Tennis Campus,” she says.

The shift marked a change in circumstances, though challenges persisted. Parks reminisces about her father’s ingenious creation – an RV turned into a “tour bus.” Crafted with love, it transported her and her father to tournaments, complete with makeshift amenities.

Leaky ceilings during rainstorms and a sweltering summer without A.C. became a bit problematic but that was alright for them.

“I just remember traveling to tournaments, like going straight for 16 hours , and if it rained, then water was dripping in,” Parks continued.”On our way back from a tournament the A.C. went out and it was summertime, so those times were not fun. But I look back and it kind of makes me teary-eyed because it was really a struggle,” the American also revealed.

Yet, the story evolves. Parks’ indomitable spirit and familial support paved the way for her evolution into a celebrated athlete. Today, as she soars to tournaments in airplanes and rests in hotel accommodations, she remains humbled by her journey’s hardships, often moved to tears. Alycia Parks’ narrative is an inspiration, a result of parental sacrifice, and a tribute to her unflagging determination as she continues her pursuit of excellence in the world of tennis.

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