Untold Athletes: Sara Steinberg - Women's Tennis

Sara Steinberg is a senior from Wilton, Conn and is a captain on the women’s tennis team. Steinberg is majoring in a sports media major and a three-time Liberty League All-Academic Team recipient. More notably, Steinberg is a first-generation student-athlete and has won a total of 26 matches during her career across singles and doubles play.

Collegiate sports were not what I envisioned for my college career. Currently, I am the captain of the Ithaca College women’s tennis team. Through the guidance of my parents, college counselors, and friends, I was able to choose the best school for me. I visited five times, the fifth was for good luck. This may seem unnecessary, but I wanted to make sure Ithaca was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. Best decision ever. I visited twice when I was a junior in high school and three times when I was a senior. The quote I heard the most from people when I was deciding was, “When you go to campus, you will know if you fit.” As a sixteen-year-old, I was quite perplexed by this question. How am I supposed to know where I fit based on one campus visit? Turns out, they were right. Ithaca was the place for me, whether I chose to accept it or not. I think the reason I was so reluctant was that I was not ready to move on. I could not wrap my head around this life-changing decision. However, once I set foot on campus with the breathtaking sunset over Cayuga Lake, I was sold. 

The facilities at Ithaca College are amazing. The coaching staff and faculty are one of a kind. When I was contemplating playing tennis, I received a private tour of the Athletic and Events Center from the head coach, Bill Austin. It was obvious how much he loves his players and the sport. He wanted me to be a part of the Bomber family. Despite all of this, I still was unsure about playing for him. I thought balancing school and sports would be too difficult and I wanted to spend my time experiencing everything college had to offer. I went to a club tennis meeting and decided it was not for me. Fortunately, it was not too late to try out for the varsity team. I was immediately greeted with open arms. I found people who I can consider my best friends for life. 

Staying active has been instilled in my head since I was a kid. My parents made my sister and I participate in a variety of sports to ensure we would reap the most benefits: social and teamwork skills, a strong work ethic, and most importantly the sports experience. From swimming to golf, we tried it all. I think I subconsciously knew tennis would become the sport I specialized in once I got to high school, but I wanted options. I had played soccer since I was four and volleyball since I was ten. These three sports would help shape who I am, little did I know I would be playing tennis in college and now I cannot imagine doing anything else. I love the sport, the camaraderie, and the strategy involved. It is going to be sad to let it all go soon. Like many people, my family’s support has gotten me to where I am today.

Hands down, my parents are my idols. In all aspects of my life, I have always looked up to them. I was and still am the most difficult child. They are the definition of unconditional love and I could not ask for better parents or role models. My mom taught me to take everything one step at a time. She accepted me for who I am and has always supported me. She brought me to all of my games and matches. She was even the coach of my travel soccer team. My dad has always supported my athletic dreams. He brought me to my first baseball game and we watched Derek Jeter and the Yankees play. He is the smartest person I know. I remember my mom and dad coming to all of my matches and games, even when it was twenty degrees outside and extremely windy. They watched my entire match because they knew it was important to me. To this day, they try to come to every match they can. I know they would go to the ends of the Earth for me and I would do the same in a heartbeat. I was adopted from China when I was nine months old. I am lucky I found this incredible family. I am eternally grateful for everything my parents have given me. 

The only advice I can give to first-gen student-athletes that I wish I had received is, enjoy it. Collegiate sports are unlike anything you have ever experienced. You will be competing at a higher level, creating life-long relationships, and sharing your passion with people. People will always be on the sidelines cheering you on. Not everyone can say they played sports in college. As the saying goes, “Once a Bomber, always a Bomber.”