Out-of-Door senior prepares for major college tennis

Out-of Door Academy senior Maria Ross was calm and quiet as she smashed balls in practice at Lakewood Ranch Country Club Nov. 22.

She believes her mental strength and focus on the court gives her an edge over competitors. No grunting, no extraneous movements, no stress.

Ross was preparing for the United States Tennis Association National Level II junior tournament on Amelia Island that was held Nov. 26-27. She also has been busy focusing on academics, which need to be in order for her move to Boston College, the next stop in her tennis career. 

Ross, who made the quarterfinals of the tournament before losing, can't wait to be an Eagle. As a child, she did not dream of playing tennis professionally like her peers. She wanted to play high-level college tennis. Now, she will get to do just that.

The 2014 Class 1A state champion is a five-star recruit, according to the Tennis Recruiting Network, and is ranked 54th on the site’s national recruiting list. She enjoys playing individual juniors, but is looking forward to focusing solely on team tennis. 

“I like the idea of being on a team,” Ross said. “Having teammates and traveling with them, and having a coach with you as well.

“That’s where I play my best tennis, really. I think because you’re playing for someone other than yourself. You want to rise up to that occasion and play your best. Your teammates are counting on you.”

Ross said her new teammates at Boston College were immediately welcoming when she took an unofficial visit to the school in February, as was head coach Nigel Bentley. The other appealing aspect of her visit was seeing just how much the students there loved their school. It was obvious just from casual conversation, Ross said. She is thrilled to be a part of that pride.

Committing as early as possible was a goal for Ross, and she did, never wavering on her choice. She officially signed with the school on Nov. 13. Ross said she knew in her heart she would end up happy with her decision.

She has worked with Lakewood Ranch Country Club Head Tennis Pro Chris Marquez for about a year and a half. She credits him supporting her throughout the recruiting process, and for helping her perform well in big tournaments.

“He and I get along really well in general,” Ross said. “We have a lot of fun during practices. It’s not just practice with him. We have a great relationship, so we talk about a bunch of things.”

Ross has a pro-style shot, Marquez said. She is also aggressive. Instead of falling back on her heels in tight spots, Ross likes to get close to the net and pressure her opponent.

"Maria (Ross) hits a different ball than any other girl I have ever worked with," Marquez said. "There is not much technically to fix. She just has to understand and utilize her weapons."

While Marquez may be responsible for Ross’ recent success, it was her mother, Irina Ross, who taught her the game when she was 6 years old. Irina Ross was a top junior tennis player in her home country of Russia before moving to the United States.

“She put in so much hard work with me,” Maria Ross said of her mother. “Even when she would probably rather be at the pool.”

One of Ross’ fondest tennis memories came at an under-10 tournament at Longwood Athletic Club in Sarasota when she was 9. It was her mom’s birthday. Ross reached the finals and faced off against a girl she had never beaten. She quickly dropped the first set, but Ross did not quit. She rallied and won the second set, then won the tiebreaker.

“I was so happy,” Ross said. “I had my trophy and I ran up to her (Irina Ross). It was a special moment that I’ll always remember.”

Ross does not yet know what major she is going to pursue (“Maybe business,” she said), but is enjoying the U.S. Government and Politics class she is currently taking. For now, Ross is keeping her options open so she can try a bit of everything before deciding on a specific path.

Whatever path she decides, there is at least one person who believes her success will only continue at the college level.

“When she is on her game, she is unbeatable,” Marquez said. “That is no exaggeration.”