At three years old, she attended a “Tennis for Tykes” class and never looked back.

“From then [on] I never put the tennis racket down,” said sophomore Alessia Cahoon of the women’s tennis team at Roger Williams University. “I fell in love with the sport and it came natural to me.”

Cahoon has played tennis year-round for around 18 years. She played varsity tennis for six years at Ursuline Academy in Dedham, Massachusetts. Prior to that, she competed for multiple club teams and in the United States Tennis Association individual tournament.

During her college search, she attended an open house for RWU and immediately fell in love with the school. She met the tennis coach during the tour session and said they clicked right away.

Cahoon is studying construction management with a minor in business. Outside of the classroom, she truly enjoys her team environment.

“I absolutely love the girls on the team and the dynamic that we have. We’re like a family and these girls are my sisters. The energy on this team is immaculate and something so special that separates us from all other schools, that makes us unique,” Cahoon said.

Cahoon thinks family culture is important within a team. Men’s and Women’s Tennis Head Coach Barry Gorman created that atmosphere within the tennis program at RWU. When she found out that this mindset was shared, she knew this was where she belonged.

“I knew that this was my home and this was the team I wanted to play for. When I met coach, his vision for the team aligned with what I was searching for,” Cahoon said.

Cahoon said tennis is her life and her happiness. She could not live without it and she firmly believes it has shaped her into the person she is today.

“It’s my favorite hobby, my job and my passion,” Cahoon said. “It taught me to never give up, practice hard and be confident in myself and those around me. It brought me so many friendships from around the world that I will always cherish.”

Tennis is a competitive sport but Cahoon said competing is not about winning or losing.

“It’s about the effort and dedication you put into something you love,” Cahoon said.