About
I started playing tennis at 13 and was a top-rated junior player in Southern California. I played for Vanguard University and San Diego Christian College on a tennis scholarship. I use my extensive knowledge of rehabilitative science and tennis to specialize in technical development and injury prevention.
Seeing students improve and grow is a rewarding experience. There is a large commitment that goes into tennis whether you are the player, parent or coach. I focus on result-based improvements and implement this through video recordings for an effective way to track progress.
Starting a journey to play college tennis leaves you speechless once you sign your letter of intent. At that moment you look back and realize every sacrifice you made was worth it. Tennis is not just a game but it is a way of life, and it becomes part of your identity. Its like a badge, but you wear this badge forever on your heart, even when you put the rackets into the closet the love for the game will not fade. The process you go through changes your life and makes you learn the importance of work ethic, prioritization and patience as tennis is not an instant gratification sport; you must work hard every day and wait months to see the fruits of your labor.
Education
Point Loma Nazarine University (San Diego, CA)
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Bachelors of Science in Applied Health Science
University of St. Augustine for Health Science (San Diego, CA)
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Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT)
To The Next Tennis Player,
Not many people will understand the reason you give up so much every day for your goal. The constant battles you have with yourself. Why you give up your weekdays and weekends to play tennis. Why you're at the gym, eating healthy and foam rolling. They wont understand what true sacrifice, sweat, perseverance, fight, dedication, grit, and hard work really means. Nor will they know what it feels like to be on the court crying your eyes out because of how frustrated you get when it just 'DOESN'T WORK'. Everyone can talk about wanting something, talk is cheap, it holds no significant value. I am no different than players before me and you are no different either. We all MUST endure the growing pains which makes us stronger in the end. Not many people are 110% committed to being consistent, day in and day out but I know you are and that will make all the difference.
- Dr. Nataliya Yamkova, PT, DPT
