Meet Shelby Rogers: Youth Inc.'s Girls' Tennis Ambassador

Shelby Rogers, a professional tennis player, has achieved major milestones on the WTA Tour and now shares her insights regularly on the Tennis Channel.

We asked her five questions about the memories, mentors, and mindsets that have shaped her journey.

1. What’s your favorite youth sports memory?

One of my most memorable youth sports experiences came during a junior tennis tournament where I split sets in a match that I expected to win. During the break before the third set — a time when junior players can leave the court to speak with parents or coaches — I broke down emotionally, overwhelmed by frustration and disappointment. My parents and coaches didn’t try to calm me down or tell me everything was okay. Instead, they allowed me to cry it out and feel my feelings. That acceptance allowed me to return to the court, regain my composure and ultimately win. The moment wasn’t about the win, but about the people around me being supportive, not trying to fix me, and embracing the fact that I was upset. It was a powerful lesson in emotional awareness that led me to the realization that keeping emotions inside was not helpful. As a result, I started using important tools like journaling, self-talk, on-court routines, and breathing that helped me throughout the rest of my career.

2. Who has been the most influential person or coach in your life?

My first coach, Bryan Minton, was the most influential figure in my tennis journey. From our first lesson, Minton told me that he saw something different in me. He instilled the importance of preparation, professionalism, and work ethic in me. Most importantly, he taught that who you are and your character matter more than rankings or trophies. In addition, he emphasized that tennis can shape your life and be a blessing in more ways than I could count.

3. What’s one lesson you’ve learned through your sport that has shaped your life?

Through tennis, I've learned that sports mimic life. Sports offer many valuable skills that translate to almost any situation in life. One of the most meaningful lessons I took away is the importance of the journey, the memories, and the people you encounter along the way. Being present and savoring every moment is the best way to appreciate the experience.

4. What advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?

I would tell my younger self that everyone has doubts and fears, even elite athletes. The difference is learning to do it anyway, despite fear and lack of confidence. These feelings are a normal part of sports and most times they show how much your sport means to you.

5. What is a motto or belief that you live by?

I am guided by a few key beliefs. One is a quote from John Wooden: “Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way that things turn out”. This reminds me to focus on what I can—including how I choose to respond to my circumstances.

I also draw strength from my faith, especially the verse Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.” This scripture helps me keep Jesus as my foundation and reminds me to trust Him. That my work does not earn God’s love. No matter what I accomplish or how successful I am by the world’s standards, there is nothing I can do or need to do to earn more from Him.

More from Shelby Rogers:

Shelby Rogers sat down with professional tennis coach Piotr Sierzputowski to discuss the importance of goal-oriented training and scheduling for tennis players, emphasizing the need for structured practice and recovery to maintain performance and health. Watch their conversation here.

Watch Shelby's highlights from the 2021 U.S. Open matchup against Ashleigh Barty:

Check out the highlights from her victory against Serena Williams at the 2020 Lexington Challenger.

See her bio and stats here.

You can also watch Shelby Rogers share her "I Once Was" story here:

Rogers also shares her life and career on her social media platforms:

For more from Shelby, follow her on Instagram, X, and Facebook!