Jessica Agra: Tennis champ at 14

If I weren’t a tennis pro, I’d want to be a lawyer when I grow up." Unsurprising coming from a kid spouting out random plans for the future; but amazing coming from a 14-year-old girl who has gone far toward actually realizing her dreams. Jessica Agra, currently ranked Number One in the 16-and-under division according to the Philippine Tennis Association, startled me with the confidence and determination she exuded while describing her passion and plans for her tennis career. I couldn’t help grinning as Jessica, having just come back as Champion in the Doubles Tournament at the ITF Group 5 Tournament in Egypt last July, proudly showed me her gold-plated trophy.

Jessica, born November 10, 1991, picked up the sport of tennis when she was but six years old and has been seriously competing since she was eight. She is currently ranked 497th worldwide by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in the juniors/amateurs category. Her goal is to be among the Top 10 of the world before her 20th birthday. She will be joining more professional events sanctioned by the Women’s Tennis Association. She recently enrolled as a second-year high school student at the School of Tomorrow under a homeschooling program.

"It hasn’t always been easy," says Jessica. Born to Attorney Alberto Agra (from the Ateneo Law School) and Jean Lim-Agra, Jessica was brought up in a world wherein athletic competition at the international level wasn’t highly encouraged. Despite full support from her parents, who are tennis fanatics themselves, Jessica had to face criticism from previous teachers and administrators who didn’t fully comprehend what the absences and long training hours competing in the sport would entail. Enrolled at the Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA), Jessica was a bright girl who hated failure and was traumatized each time she went back to school after a short absence and was unable to catch up. After Grade 3, Jessica transferred to Colegio San Agustin (CSA) where she met Fr. Julian C. Mazana who luckily was fully supportive of the come-and-go lifestyle of a pro athlete. Fr. Julian eventually became a mentor to Jessica, as she faced a difficult period while trying to decide whether to shift to homeschooling earlier this year.

Jessica is a member of the Junior Federation 16-and-Under Cup Team and a sponsored athlete of Adidas Philippines, Sports Resources Inc. (distributor of Prince tennis racquets) and Powerbar. In her maiden year in the international juniors’ 18-and-under division, Jessica competed in 10 international tournaments, the maximum number of tournaments allowed for her age. Now in her second year on the ITF circuit, she intends to compete in 14 events.

I was lucky enough to catch Jessica, Coach Domingo Feliciano and her parents before they flew off to Brunei for another grueling tennis competition.

YOUNG STAR: How did you end up in the sport?

JESSICA AGRA: It all started one summer when I joined the summer camp of Coach Domeng. I enjoyed it so much that when the next summer came, I begged my parents to let me play tennis again. At first, I wasn’t allowed to play during schooldays. Then my mom gave me the incentive of being given permission to play on weekdays if I were to get honors from school. I studied hard and showed my parents that I was really serious about wanting to play tennis.

What is your training like?

I train six times a week under Coach Domeng. I am also enrolled ay PlyoSports where I undergo a plyometrics program handled by Mr. Raul Banzon and at Fitness First for physical conditioning. I spend about 24 to 30 hours a week either playing tennis or in physical activity.

Who are the greatest influences in your life?

My parents. And Coach Domeng, of course. He’s been with me from the start. It’s very difficult to look for a coach. He’s very supportive, minsan lang nagagalit. Malakas nga lang ang boses. Coach Domeng. Inaabuso na nga ako eh!

Any favorite tennis player?

Definitely Maria Sharapova. She’s good and pretty.

Did you ever feel like quitting tennis?

Yes, there was one point in 2004 when I wasn’t so sure if I wanted to continue playing. I trained so hard for the ATF tournament, only to lose in the first round in Thailand. I had put in so much effort so I felt really bad and went home crying to my mom. Later I learned that the person I competed against eventually went on to win the tournament.

What is the best part about being a tennis player?

I get to see different parts of the world when I compete. Singapore is my favorite place. I love the food there. I always go to Newton’s Place and eat roast duck.

What is the worst part?

The lack of a social life and saying goodbye to the people I meet in tournaments. Last month, I really got close to my partner in the tournament in Egypt. She was from Bulgaria. I try to keep in touch with friends through e-mail, but it’s hard.

Other interests besides tennis?

I love watching TV, especially the OC and One Tree Hill. Tuesday nights, from 8 to 10 p.m., is my TV night. My parents know not to schedule any training for me during that time. I also like watching concerts. I went to see The Pussycat Dolls when they were in Manila.

Do you still get nervous before each competition?

All the time. Especially now. The more you improve and climb up the rankings, there is more to lose.

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I asked Jessica’s parents about the homeschooling program, and here’s what they had to say:

Do you regret your decision to let Jessica enter homeschooling?

ALBERTO AGRA: Not really. We have a short-term developmental plan for Jessica, in pursuit of her dream to excel in the sport and to represent her flag and country. If she does not reach a goal before she reaches fourth year high school, we will reevaluate this decision and see if she wants to go back to regular schooling. The School of Tomorrow is actually a good program, which requires zero hours in school. We are given all the materials and requirements that Jessica has to fulfill, and I make sure that she does the schoolwork.

JEAN LIM-AGRA: The homeschooling also relieves Jessica of a lot of the stress. Before, she would be so pressured to go back to Philippines immediately after competing in a foreign country that there was no time to explore each new place. Jessica was constantly suffering from jetlag. Right now we try to make each experience abroad an educational one – let Jessica see the sights, provided it’s all within budget. I’m from ICA myself, and it was hard when I went back to visit and Jessica was no longer a student there, but I’m confident that it’s all for the best.

Any college plans?

JEAN: We’re hoping that we reach the stage where Jessica will have the opportunity of either going pro or playing college tennis, either here or abroad. We actually visited Stanford University and they mentioned that some of their students who played college tennis even went pro afterwards. Who knows? Maybe Jessica can do both.

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For comments or suggestions, e-mail me at stephaniecoyiuto@yahoo.com or visit my website at www.stephaniecoyiuto.com.