Junior Player Spotlight: Natalie Chelico, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

Throughout life, there are certain gifts we receive from family and friends that seem to have a lasting impact on our lives.

That is what happened after Natalie Chelico’s aunt gave her a Hello Kitty Wilson tennis racquet when she was two-years-old, and ever since, Natalie has spent as much time as she possibly can on the tennis court.

“From the first time I got on court, I loved it and never wanted to stop,” said Chelico. “Every single time, I just want to keep playing and never want to get off the court.”

Chelico has been playing tennis ever since, and has quickly become one of the rising stars of the Feed the Feeder Plus high-performance program at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“Playing at the National Tennis Center is really great. The courts are amazing the coaches are super nice and helpful,” she said. “I have gotten a lot better there, and every time I leave there I feel like I have improved on something. It’s so fun also.”

Her passion for tennis and desire to play whenever she can has helped elevate the 10-year-old into one of the top-ranked players in the Eastern Section for her age group, as TennisRecruiting.net has her ranked fourth in the entire state of New York.

And she isn’t just a top player for her age, Chelico has no problems moving up and competing against players older than her, regularly competing in 12U and even 14U tournaments. She embraces the competition, and tennis brings out the best in her.

“I love how it’s only up to you to play your best and the best player that you can be,” she said. “In singles, you have to rely on yourself, and I’ve learned that you can do anything you put your mind to. It doesn’t matter how much bigger, stronger or older they are than you, if you work your hardest and try your best, there is always a way to figure it out.”

Chelico is looking forward to competing against older players this summer, especially when she goes down to train at the Evert Tennis Academy in Florida during the month of July. It’s something she has done each of the last two summers, providing her with an abundance of tennis-playing opportunities.

“I’m looking forward to playing all day every day, and not having to worry about school work, and just play tennis and do what I love most,” said Chelico. “I went last summer for a full month and am going to do that again. I am one of the youngest players there, and I love being able to compete against the players there, and learn from the great coaches they have.”

Last summer, Chelico got to experience the moment of a lifetime. Her favorite player and idol Aryna Sabalenka was practicing down there, which provided her the opportunity to meet her. The two took a picture together and Sabalenka signed autographs for the players.

Chelico draws a lot of inspiration from Sabalenka in her own tennis.

“I love her because she will always keep fighting, no matter what,” Chelico said. “Even if she is down big, she is never going to stop. She knows it’s not over until it’s over, and anything can happen. She jokes and has fun with her coaches, but is always willing to fight in her matches.”

Chelico takes that same approach when she competes, and is always excited for the chance to prove herself on court, and fight to the very last point in her matches. When she isn’t playing tennis, though, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and playing other sports such as soccer, and is an accomplished violin player. The orchestra at her school won the gold, with distinction, at a recent competition.

But her true love remains the sport of tennis, and Chelico is on court every opportunity she can get. She is excited to play more national and high-level tournaments this summer and into the fall, as she continues to improve her game.

She takes lessons and participates in the programming at the National Tennis Center throughout the year, along with her younger brother Graham, and being the good sister and tennis enthusiast she is, enjoys helping him with his tennis, leaning on her own experiences to guide his development.

“I love to be able to help him with anything he needs, it’s great to see him and remember what it was like when I was his age,” she said. “He enjoys tennis too and we get to share that together.”

She will be entering the fifth grade this fall, and has come a long way since she first held that Hello Kitty racquet. With a desire to learn and compete, and a fighter’s mindset, the sky is the limit for Chelico.

“Champions keep playing until they get it right”….Natalie is that champion and is a constant source of energy and inspiration. Her complete effort is on display at all times and it shows in her motivation,” said Dale Evans, Director of Tennis Operations at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “Under the National Tennis Center Junior Program, she has worked hard to develop her skills through a willingness to always improve. Her attention to instruction and detail is something that sets her apart from other young players…as well as her backwards pink hat!”