From Junior Tennis to College Success: Raphaelle Leroux’s Journey
It was late August in Repentigny, Canada, and tennis was heating up at the 2023 J300 tournament. Francesca Pace, ranked No. 32, faced Raphaelle Leroux, ranked No. 169. The first set went to Pace, 6-4, but Leroux fought back. She won the second set decisively, 6-1, proving why she belonged on center court. The final set was intense, ending in a tiebreak where Leroux won 7-2. “That match taught me to trust myself,” she said.
Two years later, Leroux had a standout freshman season at UCSB with a remarkable 16-match singles winning streak. Looking back, she noted how her mindset had shifted. At first, she struggled to adjust to college tennis, but then she focused on her routines instead of wins or losses. “I learned to play each point,” she shared. This change helped her stay calm and confident, contributing to UCSB’s successes, including a Big West Championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Facing Rice University in the first round, Leroux won her singles match after dropping the second set. She bounced back to take the final set 6-0. In the next match against Texas A&M, Leroux dominated again, earning the only singles point for her team against Lucianna Perez, who is now ranked No. 4 in college tennis. “It was surreal and made me eager to keep working hard,” she said.
Leroux’s junior tennis achievements included winning the Canadian National Doubles Championship twice. This experience sharpened her tactical thinking and communication skills. Recently, she and partner My-Anh Holmes clinched the Big West Fall Invite Doubles title, emphasizing how doubles success translates to her overall game.
UCSB stood out to Leroux not just for tennis but also for its top-notch academic programs. She’s pursuing a Pre-Med track, balancing studies with athletics. “UCSB lets me strive for excellence both on the court and in the classroom,” she explained. She appreciates the support from Coach Simon Thibodeau, who emphasizes growth on and off the court.
As she gears up for her sophomore year, Leroux feels pressure to maintain her performance. Yet, winter training with Coach Diego Moyano taught her that improvement isn’t always a straight path. “It’s okay not to always play your best,” she reflects. She’s focusing on self-kindness and consistency in her training.
Leroux balances her academic load with tennis practices, finding that her sport has enhanced her focus and resilience in studies. Inspired by her father, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon, she envisions a future in sports medicine. “I want to understand athletes, not just physically but emotionally,” she says.
Her journey highlights the importance of mental strength, adaptation, and hard work in both sports and academics. With each match and each class, Leroux is building a brighter future, ready for whatever challenges come next.
