Voice of the Athlete: Mia Matriccino
Mia Matriccino, an exceptional high school tennis player from Frog Hollow Racquet Club in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, shares her journey with us! Voice of the Athlete: Mia Matriccino.
How did you first get started in tennis? How long have you been playing?
I started playing tennis when I was 8 years old. At that time, I was trying out different sports to find the one I enjoyed the most. Tennis quickly became my passion, and I have been playing for 7 years now.
What do you enjoy most about playing tennis?
The thing I enjoy the most is being able to train with the friends I have made through tennis. Playing tennis wouldn't be as enjoyable for me without having friends to share the experience with.
You have participated in numerous tournaments over the years. Do you have a favorite one?
I have participated in many tournaments this year, with more to come. My favorite tournament so far was one I played in March. I traveled to Florida to compete in a national tournament. To my surprise, I performed even better than expected and secured second place. It was my best result in a national tournament to date.
Who supports you in achieving your goals, and how do they assist you?
I have a strong support system. My parents are my biggest supporters. They are always willing to drive me anywhere for tennis and invest in the training I need. They consistently back the decisions I make regarding tennis. Additionally, my coach is a major supporter. He devotes a lot of time to training me and finding ways to help me improve. I wouldn't be the player I am today without him.
What motivates you on days when you don't feel like training?
When I lack the motivation to train, I focus on my long-term goals. This mindset pushes me to challenge myself and work hard to achieve the things I desire.
What is a challenging skill you are currently working on, and how do you train it? Is it more mentally or physically challenging?
A challenging skill I am currently working on is staying present in the moment during matches. It is a mental skill that I find particularly difficult to improve. I have made significant progress in this area, but there is always more to learn and apply to become a better player.
Have you ever had any limiting beliefs that you had to overcome to elevate your performance to the next level?
I have encountered numerous limiting beliefs in the past, and I am currently working on overcoming some as well. There was a time when I considered my backhand a major weakness, always resulting in errors. However, through mental training, I have gained confidence and learned to trust myself more, enabling me to perform my backhands to the best of my ability.
Do you have a favorite song that you enjoy listening to before a game?
I have specific songs that remind me of moments when I performed exceptionally well. By listening to these songs, I can tap into the same mindset and emotions I had on those days when I played at my best.
How do you maintain focus when faced with pressure?
When under pressure, I try not to dwell on what is causing the pressure. Instead, I strive to stay objective and focused on the present moment. This approach helps alleviate the pressure and enables me to concentrate on what needs to be done.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I have received comes from Naomi Osaka, one of the top women's tennis players in the world. She said, "Pressure is a privilege." This quote has helped me navigate through various situations where I experienced immense pressure.
Who are your role models, both in and out of sports, and how do they inspire you?
Naomi Osaka is my role model on the court. I admire her exceptional mental game, training methods, and strategic thinking. Off the court, I don't have a specific role model. Most of my personality is shaped by my experiences on the tennis court.
What advice would you give to a 10-year-old athlete struggling with confidence?
To a young athlete struggling with confidence, I would advise them to trust themselves. If they can develop self-belief at a young age, it becomes easier to maintain and grow that confidence as they progress in their athletic journey.
What is your current goal, and do you have any upcoming tournaments you are preparing for?
My current goal is to reach the top 100 in national 16s tennis rankings. Currently, I am in a training phase, but I have upcoming tournaments scheduled for August.
How has tennis positively impacted your life outside of the sport?
Tennis has greatly benefited me beyond the boundaries of the sport. Many of the mental aspects I've developed through tennis have helped me handle different situations more effectively in life. It has also made me more outgoing and energetic, shaping my personality in positive ways.
Next read: https://mentalaccelerator.com/resource/voice-of-the-athlete/voice-of-the-athlete-david-restrepo