Rick Nieke Coppin State Tennis
Rick Nieke Coppin State Tennis

Rick’S Story

Transitioning from soccer to tennis at a later stage in my life, my journey began as an underdog. Taking up tennis competitively at the age of 12, I noticed rapid improvements in my game. Consistently ranked top juniors in the Netherlands and playing national championships. I transitioned to international competition at 16, leveraging my multi-national background to climb the rankings in Japan, achieving a peak position of #5 in the U16 Category.

I owe much of my success to the unwavering support of my family and close coaching team. Their belief in my potential and dedication to my development played a pivotal role in every step of my journey. From the early days of picking up a racket to the intense training sessions and competitions on the global stage, their guidance, encouragement, and expertise were invaluable.

I love tennis because it offers endless opportunities for improvement. Every time I step onto the court, I am reminded that even the pros can’t win every point and make mistakes. Tennis teaches me resilience and the importance of continuous growth, as there is always something to refine. Whether itis my technique, strategy, or mental game. This constant pursuit of perfection keeps me motivated and inspired, pushing me to strive for excellence both on and off the court.

WHY ULTRA ANKLE?

Following struggles with shin splints and ankle weakness, I received advice to incorporate ankle straps into my practice and match routines. The ankle braces provided by the University were prone to tearing quickly due to frequent sliding on the court and were cumbersome to put on. Transitioning to Ultra ankle straps proved to be a game-changer, offering ease of use and exceptional durability. These ankle supports have significantly aided in preventing ankle rolls, enhancing my stability and confidence on the court.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FOR Coppin state university?

The best part for playing for CSU is the opportunity it’s giving me and my teammates. Competing against prestigious institutions allows me to showcase my abilities on the court, gives me the greatest joy. Furthermore, the unwavering support of my teammates since day one fills me with gratitude, and I couldn’t be happier to have them by my side.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG PLAYERS IN YOUR SPORT?

For younger players in my sport, my advice centers on the significance of consistency over perfection. Understanding that perfection is unattainable, prioritizing consistency in training and performance yields greater progress. Focusing on maintaining steady effort and dedication will ultimately lead to notable advancements in skill and development.

rick’s Preferred Ankle Brace

Ultra 360 in Black