When people hear that we’re traveling for a college tennis match, they usually imagine a quick two-hour game and then free time the rest of the day. But the truth is, match day is packed from morning to night. As someone who’s been part of the Hawaii Pacific University men’s tennis team for four years, I’ve experienced it all. Let me take you through what a real day looks like—this one was during our semifinal match against Azusa Pacific in Arizona.
7:30 AM – Rise and Stretch
Our day begins early. At 7:30, the whole team meets outside to start our morning mobility routine—stretching, light movement, and preparing our bodies to handle the Arizona heat. Hydration is key, so we start pounding water and electrolytes right away to avoid cramping later.
9:30 AM – Heading to the Courts
Once we’re stretched and fed, we drive over to the tennis courts. Our trainer is already waiting for us. Some of us get taped or massaged, while others do extra stretching or foam rolling. If the women’s team is playing before us, we support them while we get ourselves ready too.
11:00 AM – Lunch Stop
We grab lunch around 11. Timing is everything—we need to eat early enough so we don’t feel heavy on the court. A favorite pre-match meal? A ham and provolone sandwich from Jersey Mike’s. Simple, fast, and easy to digest.
11:45 AM – Warm-Up Time
Back at the courts, we start our team warm-up: running, dynamic stretches, and movement drills. After that, we hit the courts for an hour of hitting to get used to the day’s conditions—sun, wind, court speed. This part is about getting locked in and bringing the right energy.
1:00 PM – Game On
The match begins. We start with doubles, followed by singles. There’s no break between the two, so we usually play for over three hours straight. Win or lose, when the match ends around 4 or 5 PM, we meet with our coaches for a quick post-match talk and feedback session.
5:00 PM – Recovery Time
Next stop: trainers. We line up for ice, stretching, or treatment for cramps. It’s all about getting our bodies reset for the next day. We do a team stretch session before heading back to the house.
7:00 PM – Dinner and Debrief
Dinner is a team affair. Usually, our coaches cook and we help clean up. Both the men’s and women’s teams eat together. After that, we have a short team meeting to review the match and go over tomorrow’s game plan.
8:30 PM – Student Mode
The day isn’t over yet. Even on the road, we have to keep up with school. So we open our laptops and knock out homework assignments before bed. It’s not easy, but it’s part of the student-athlete grind. We try to be asleep by 10:30 to recover for another day of competition.
So, while it might seem like tennis trips are all about matches and fun, the reality is very different. Behind the scenes, it’s a full-day commitment to our sport, our bodies, and our academics. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
