Passion to Profession - Carlos Estrada '16

Game…set…career match! A passion for tennis becomes a profession for Carlos Estrada ’16.

“I definitely imagined having a career in tennis since I was 10 years old,” said Estrada. “My career goals were to become a professional tennis player and play Division I tennis in college.”

Estrada compiled an 85-27 record at first singles with the Eagles, the most wins at that position in CJ history. He went on to compete in the D-I collegiate tennis ranks at Wright State University and qualified for International Federation tournaments in the United States and Europe. After a stint as the head tennis pro at Hollinger Memorial Tennis Center, Estrada, now 24, was recently named as the junior tennis director at Five Seasons Dayton — a perfect fit.

“Having lived the journey of a young kid aspiring to become a great tennis player, I know how it feels for other young players to want to work hard to reach their goals,” he said. “This motivates me to help them further their passion by sharing many of the insights and experiences I've seen in the tennis world.”

It has come full circle for Estrada who now coaches some current Eagles players and facilitates off-season opportunities for both the CJ girls and boys tennis teams. 

“I have been in close contact with CJ tennis coach Jim Brooks and the tennis team ever since I started playing at CJ,” Estrada said. “I am working with several of the players at Five Seasons where my goal is to develop their game and help them reach their goals. I’m happy that CJ is also holding practices and open court times at Five Seasons. 

Community is something Estrada greatly values, and the CJ community was instrumental in his development as a player and as a person. 

“I feel that many of my core beliefs in terms of religion, community, and lifestyle were formed at CJ. The guidance from faculty and staff and the overall environment contributes to shaping who students will be in the future,” he said.

“Being at CJ means you are part of a community, and my goal is to continue to be a part of it and help them in any way I can.”