Faces of Florida Tennis: Genesis Whitelock

For Genesis Whitelock, tennis has been more than just a sport, it’s been a way of life for nearly 16 years. Dating back to when she was just five years old, she picked up a racquet for the first time. “My parents got me involved with tennis as they thought it was the most interesting sport,” she said. “They also believed it would expand my character and passions as I continued to play.” That passion grew, as she found inspiration from many greats like Serena and Venus Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. Now, she attends Florida A&M University, and is making a difference in the Florida tennis community.  

The Benefits of a HBCU 

Attending FAMU, a prestigious Historically Black College and University (HBCU), has been great for Genesis as the university offers so much on and off the tennis courts. “Regarding tennis, I really enjoy the program that Coach Nikki has, with the help of Assistant Coach E, as I feel they are both very encouraging of my goals and improvement in the sport,” she said. “Also, with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University being ranked the number one public HBCU and the home of Grand Slam Champion, Althea Gibson, I thought it would be a great choice for my endeavors.” 

On top of these benefits, Genesis was able to stay close to home. She also is getting a great education as she studies Political Science Pre-Law Concentration and is confident her future ventures will be bright when her tennis career ends.  

Playing at FAMU has brought her tons of success on the court. Her collegiate career, so far, is marked by accolades such as the HBCU Draw B Singles Champion (2022), HBCU Doubles finalist (2022), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Freshman of the Year (2023), SWAC Champions (2023), two Players of the Week awards, and an All-SWAC Second Team honor (2024). Each of these achievements underscores her dedication and skill on the court. 

Off the court, she has been named to the SWAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll, which is earned by student-athletes with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during the school semesters.  

Being a Community Role Model 

Genesis’s commitment to tennis extends beyond personal achievements as she is deeply invested in fostering the sport within her community. “Living in Florida my entire life, I have been able to be involved with small coaching and volunteering projects for kids, such as helping young beginners learn the basics of the sport.”

Growing up in Saint Petersburg, she would go to local courts and engaged with strangers in doubles play for fun. “I did this in the hope to bring the community together to enjoy all aspects of the game.” 

She loves to lead by example on and off the tennis courts, especially for the younger generations, and experience the feeling of people looking up to her in the Florida tennis community. “It allows me to keep working hard and giving my 100% in matches, and to help inspire them to pick up a racquet and have goals and dreams of playing for a Division I program, or at any prestigious university, such as FAMU or any other amazing HBCU school.” 

What’s Next? 

As Genesis enters her third year at FAMU, she is still looking beyond college, as she envisions a future intertwining professional tennis with community involvement. “My plans for tennis after college are to perhaps play on the circuit and take on some time giving back to the tennis community,” she said. “I would like to be able to volunteer in my community to help the new generation find a love and passion for the sport.” 

With tennis being a lifelong sport, Genesis doesn’t plan to ever stop being involved with it, even decades from now. With plans to volunteer and inspire future generations, she is a perfect role model in her community. “I would like to be an activist for tennis and teach all the lessons and traits that this sport has given me,” Genesis said.  

Striving for More Accessible Tennis 

Recognizing the financial barriers that can deter young players from pursuing tennis, Genesis advocates for accessible opportunities. “Florida tennis is some of the most high-level tennis in the world, which I believe comes at a cost, making it very expensive to play,” she noted. Genesis says this can cause some parents to not get their kids and even themselves involved with this great sport.  

“One way I believe I can help with this issue is by providing volunteer teaching opportunities to get young kids, adults, and elders involved and get other college Florida players, like me to be able to volunteer to fix this issue,” Genesis said. It’s important to her that everyone gets the chance to experience the joy and thrill of tennis. 

Genesis also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in tennis, both on and off the court. Celebrating and supporting inclusiveness for cultures creates a safer and stronger community. “By experiencing these new cultures, people should be open to learning, because it is extremely interesting and insightful to be able to learn about different languages, customs, foods, and so many other things because the world is built up of an abundance of different communities.” 

She also believes that by being willing to learn about other people and welcoming them with open arms, you will spark friendships that can last a lifetime, and a safe environment for everyone. “By helping to keep diversity and inclusion in the sport, it creates a better environment that will inspire more people to be interested in the tennis community.” 

Don’t Shy Away from Tennis 

Tennis continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in the world, especially in Florida and Genesis wants to see even more people try the sport, as players, volunteers, coaches, and other roles.  

“The sport enables the development of an individual and prepares them for many different situations and opportunities,” she said. Tennis has way more to offer just beyond being an athlete, it creates community. 

Tennis is more than a game, it’s a pathway to personal development and opportunity. The sport of tennis teaches valuable lessons that prepare individuals for various life situations, no matter what role you have in tennis. “Be open to participate in tennis activities, meet and learn more about people,” she said, as tennis is for everyone.  

One day, Genesis plans to travel the world and play at different courts spread across the globe. She wants to include everyone and encourage people, regardless of age, skill, or background to give tennis a chance. 

Genesis’ dedication, achievements both on and off the court, and vision for the future position her as a true leader in the sport, inspiring others to pick up a racquet and dream big. 

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Written by: Jaret Kappelman, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for USTA Florida. Be sure to check out USTA Florida, the governing body of amateur tennis in Florida, offering tennis programs for all ages and ability levels. Photos courtesy of USTA Florida.