Cupertino to Columbia: A D1 Tennis Journey

An Interview with Columbia University’s Gayathri Krishnan

This week’s Student-Athlete Spotlight features Gayathri Krishnan, a Division-tennis player at Columbia University. Now entering her junior year, Gayathri is pursuing a major in Economics with a minor in Computer Science while competing in the prestigious Ivy League Conference.

A graduate of Cupertino High School (Fremont High School District, Class of 2023), Gayathri started tennis at the age of five and grew up charting her own path as the first athlete in her family. From local USTA tournaments to Ivy League competition, her journey is a story of persistence, structure, and passion for the sport.

Interview with Gayathri Krishnan

Thea: At what age did you start playing tennis, and when did you begin competing seriously?

Gayathri: I started playing when I was five. Since I was the first in my family to play, we weren’t sure how to start. I began competing in tournaments around age eight.

Thea: How did you structure training around important tournaments like USTA, ITF, or national events?

Gayathri: Balancing school and tennis were the hardest part. Having a structured schedule helped me—dedicated times for academics and tennis. For big tournaments, I made sure schoolwork was done in advance, so missing class didn’t derail me.

Thea: Did you ever train abroad or in another state for tournaments?

Gayathri: Not abroad, but I trained on clay in other states since California doesn’t have many clay courts. Going early before clay tournaments helped me adjust to the surface and develop strategies.

Thea: What role did private coaching versus group training play in your development?

Gayathri: Private lessons helped me focus on technique and individual needs. Group training gave me peer feedback, match simulation, and the fun of practicing with friends. Both were important.

Thea: How did you manage competing in both individual USTA tournaments and team formats?

Gayathri: Individual tournaments are tougher—you’re on your own. But team tennis gave me support from teammates, motivation, and the drive to do well for each other. I prefer team play because of that shared energy.

Thea: What does a typical day look like balancing D1 tennis with an Economics major?

Gayathri: My schedule is structured: agility or lifts in the morning, classes before and after midday practice, and study time in the evenings. Weekends usually allow more catch-up time since practices are lighter.

Thea: Did you take AP or advanced courses in high school to prepare?

Gayathri: Yes, I took AP Economics, AP Computer Science, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics, and AP Gov. They helped me prepare academically and even skip prerequisites in college.

Thea: How important was time management before arriving at college?

Gayathri: Extremely important. Tennis taught me that skill early. In college, you don’t have a fixed 9–3 schedule—you’re responsible for structuring your own day. Time management made the transition so much smoother.

Thea: What was your off-court conditioning like?

Gayathri: Lots of recovery, lifts, agility work, and flexibility training. Cooling down and stretching after practices was critical for preventing injuries.

Thea: Did you work with a mental performance coach or sports psychologist?

Gayathri: I didn’t personally, but friends who did found it really helpful. Tennis is such a mental sport, and having someone to talk to makes a big difference.

Thea: How do you reset after a bad match or losing streak?

Gayathri: I take time to reflect first, then talk to a coach or a friend. Talking it through helps me process, get advice, and avoid repeating mistakes.

Thea: How do you keep your confidence high against higher-ranked players?

Gayathri: Rankings are just numbers. Anyone can have a good or bad day. I remind myself that I’m equal to my opponent and focus on giving my best effort.

Thea: Did you ever experience burnout?

Gayathri: Yes, before COVID. Tennis felt repetitive, and I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. Talking to people, taking time off, and remembering why I love the sport helped me bounce back.

Thea: Did you always know tennis would be your main sport?

Gayathri: Not at first. I tried many sports, but tennis stuck because I loved the control over my progress. Seeing role models like Serena Williams inspired me. Over time, the hours of practice started showing results, and I knew this was what I wanted.

Thea: Who were your coaches growing up?

Gayathri: I worked with a mix of group and private coaches like Lou and John. Early on, we weren’t sure what kind of coaches I needed. In college, I realized how important it is to have coaches for different areas—technical, physical, and mental. Together, they help you become your best.

Thea: How did you choose colleges to target for recruitment?

Gayathri: I kept an open mind at first. Ultimately, I chose Columbia because of the academic opportunities and how supportive the coaches were. I felt it would set me up for both tennis and my career.

Thea: Did you directly email college coaches? What did you include?

Gayathri: Yes. Most coaches reached out via recruiting sites, but when emailing, I included my ranking, where I’m from, why I love tennis, and what makes me unique. Sharing stats, a highlight video, and personality through the email is key.

Thea: What’s the biggest difference between high school and D1 tennis?

Gayathri: D1 tennis is on a much larger stage—more people watching, more pressure, and even a path to going pro. High school was more like a practice run.

Thea: What’s one habit from high school that helped most in college?

Gayathri: Time management. I learned not to procrastinate because of my busy schedule, and it’s been a huge help in college.

Thea: If you could go back, what would you change about your high school tennis journey?

Gayathri: I would’ve invested more in the team aspect earlier. I only got close to my team senior year, but those friendships and support systems are invaluable.

Thea: What’s one myth about being a D1 athlete you’d like to bust?

Gayathri: That we’re “stupid.” We work incredibly hard—both on the court and academically.

Takeaway: Finding Your Own Path

Gayathri’s journey shows that the road to Division 1 tennis is built on discipline, time management, and passion, but also on remembering the joy of the game. From balancing AP classes and tournaments in high school to managing an Ivy League academic load today, she proves that student-athletes can thrive in both worlds.

Her biggest lessons for aspiring athletes? Stay structured, embrace your team, and remember that rankings or setbacks don’t define you. What matters most is commitment, growth, and finding the balance that works for you.