Carol Lee sets sights on pro career

At just 22, Carol Lee is poised to make her mark in the world of professional tennis. After graduating this summer, she is fully committed to launching her career, training diligently, and competing in ITF pro tournaments across Asia, driven by her passion for the sport and her desire to achieve her goals.

As she transitions into professional tennis, Lee faces new hurdles, particularly in finding training facilities and tournament opportunities. With a low ranking, she must navigate a complicated landscape to gain entry into events, especially in W15 and W35 tournaments.

Moreover, the financial burden of travel, accommodations, and equipment now falls on her and her family—starkly contrasting to her scholarship days when those expenses were covered.

Despite these challenges, Lee remains focused on her goals. In the short term, she aims to participate in as many tournaments as possible to earn ranking points, with aspirations of winning several W15 and W35 tournaments within the year. Long-term, she dreams of breaking into the Top 100 and competing in all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Lee’s tennis journey began at the age of 6, inspired by her father, who has been both her coach and mentor. Growing up on the island of Saipan, Lee spent countless afternoons on the courts, training hard and playing practice matches in the evenings. She attended elementary and middle school on Saipan before earning a full scholarship to Fiji for high school, where she balanced her education with rigorous training as a full-time junior athlete.

Lee’s time at the Georgia Institute of Technology marked a significant chapter in her development. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with high honors, she faced the challenge of balancing a demanding academic schedule with her tennis commitments.

During her senior year, her training routine was intense, involving individual practices, team workouts, and gym sessions, all while frequently traveling for matches.

“Georgia Tech’s academics are tough, so I had to prioritize my time wisely,” she notes.

The biggest challenges she faced came from juggling academics and athletics. However, Lee credits her success to a robust support system that includes her family, friends, and mentors.

“God, my family, close friends, my boyfriend Zongrui Wee and his family, teammates at Georgia Tech, and coaches in Fiji—Roxanne Clarke and Thomas Perrin—have all influenced my career,” she says.

She also acknowledges the invaluable support from the ITF Player Development Team, Oceania Tennis Federation, and Georgia Tech coaches like Rodney Harmon, Alexis Casati, Austin Roeuck, Maryann Aaron, and Scott McDonald.

Additionally, she expresses gratitude to the Northern Mariana Islands Tennis Association for facilitating local tournaments and helping her compete at events like the North Pacific Regional Championships and Pacific Oceania Junior Championships, which have significantly raised her level of play.

“Their unwavering belief in me pushes me to strive for my full potential,” she affirms.

Among her most memorable experiences, winning her first Grade 5 ITF junior tournament in New Caledonia at age 15 stands out. She recalls the pride of representing Saipan when she won another Grade 5 tournament at home. Additionally, a memorable moment was winning the gold medal in mixed doubles at the Pacific Games in Samoa in 2019. Her experiences at the Australian Open Juniors and the U.S. Open Juniors also shaped her career, alongside significant college achievements, such as clinching a victory against NC State and reaching the quarterfinals at the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship.

Inspiration comes from tennis icons like Roger Federer, whose technique and calm demeanor influence her style, and the late Kobe Bryant, whose “Mamba Mentality” underscores the importance of discipline and mental toughness.

For aspiring young players, Lee offers this advice: “Work hard, take care of your body, focus on your mental game, and remain disciplined and consistent. Even on low-motivation days, do the work anyway—dedication is key. Most importantly, enjoy the process and create lasting memories.”

Looking beyond tennis, Lee is uncertain about her future but is committed to staying present and trusting that God has a greater plan for her.

“I focus on controlling what I can at the moment,” she says, embodying the spirit of a dedicated athlete ready to take on the challenges of the professional circuit. With the support of her family, her boyfriend and his family, and NMITA, Lee is undoubtedly a rising star to watch, combining talent, hard work, and a strong support network on her journey to success.