I’ve been working with Erica since she was in 10th grade, now getting ready to graduate from UC Santa Barbara. She found a way to pay for college on her own, with little (if any) support from her family. She walked on to the tennis team, hoping to get a chance to prove herself to the coach, but struggled … and often.

She worked harder than anyone on the team, yet still no payout. She wasn’t playing, and it looked as if finding a spot in the starting lineup was going to be futile. During her sophomore season, she talked about quitting – she was putting in hours of grind and sweat, but wasn’t achieving the results she thought she deserved.

Erica, however, is a survivor and wouldn’t give in to the “quit.” She kept battling, never being out worked, making a promise to herself that she’d continue, no matter how much pain she had to endure. Her junior year finally gave way to more playing time, earning herself a spot in the starting lineup. SHE WOULDN’T RELINQUISH THAT SPOT!

In the beginning of her senior season, she was offered a scholarship and named Team Captain!

Erica never stopped fighting, making a committed decision to not give in to the struggle – she’s the true definition of the 1% Mindset. I’m incredibly proud of her and will continue to use her story as an example of what’s possible when you never, EVER stop working!