Senior Athlete Spotlight: Melina Ruiz

Melina Ruiz sees the huge impact that tennis has had on her life. Contrary to most sports, tennis does not allow on-court coaching, forcing Ruiz to lean on her years of training and guide herself to the best of her ability. In turn, Ruiz believes that she developed many characteristics such as independence, problem solving, and determination from a very young age that has set her up for success.

 

Ruiz’s mom first placed her in the sport at the age of four after watching her best friend play. Along with tennis, Ruiz competed in gymnastics and dance until the age of seven when she had to choose one to stick with. Ruiz chose tennis and never looked back. That decision shaped the remainder of Ruiz’s childhood and even educational experience. Something many students may not know is that Ruiz does not attend Palmer Trinity full time. She enrolls in three classes in person and completes the remaining ones online. This allows her to complete a full day of training. On Monday-Saturday, an average day of training for Ruiz entails a two-hour practice in the morning, gym training afterwards, and two-three hours in the evening back on the court, on top of her schooling. Weekend tournaments consist of three-six matches and her national schedule has brought her to compete all over the country.

 

Her vast experience has led her to thrive as a captain on the Varsity Tennis team. She loves competing individually, but to constantly support those around her. “As the captain, I have learned to reassure the players that all that matters is that they go out on the court and give their very best, no matter the outcome,” Ruiz describes. Varsity Head Coach Kevin Chow believes that everything Ruiz does is to the best of her ability, referring to her as a “team player who goes above and beyond what is needed of her.” In return, Ruiz always feels that her teammates are there for her no matter what. Ruiz notes that her favorite memory as a Falcon was playing in the District Finals as a sophomore with her full team and large crowd watching, fueling her to compete at her very best.

 

Off the court, Ruiz loves to spend time by the ocean. With a full schedule of tennis, Ruiz does not always have much time to relax, but feels fully at peace out on the beach. She is very active in Palmer Trinity’s community through community service, attending the Visions Trip to the Dominican Republic, serving as Co-President of Fueling Futures which helps underprivileged students at Miami-Dade College ensure they have food and groceries to live, and is an ambassador and active member of Miami Learning Experience and Fight Like a Kid.

 

Ruiz, whose favorite food is pasta, favorite artist is Morgan Wallen and once broke her knee in middle school from growing too fast, is excited to study biology on a pre-med track in college while hopefully continuing to play her favorite sport. She is currently considering the University of Florida, Clemson, College of Charleston, SMU, and University of Tennessee.

 

Be sure to come out and support Melina and the rest of the Varsity Tennis team as they continue a great start to the season. Senior Day will be held on April 3^rd.