At the Net with Jesse Flores
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Jesse Flores
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
I was raised in Oakville, Ontario just outside of Toronto. I lived with my two older brothers, my parents and my dog.
I committed to Miami over other schools because Miami is one of the central hubs in the world regarding the sport of tennis. I feel like I can get better here. The weather is beautiful and the conditions needed to get better are available, when it comes to the facilities and trainers. They’re here to help us succeed.
Playing tennis has given me a lot. Growing up I played soccer, basketball and a couple other team sports. However, playing tennis has allowed me to be my own individual, which has given me more maturity and made me grow up a little more. I have met a lot of my best friends through playing tennis, and it’s given me the fire to compete; in addition to giving me the opportunity to be here at Miami.
People might be surprised to know my parents are immigrants and we didn’t come from much. Also, both my brothers, Jennison and Dylan played professional soccer, and Dylan still does playing as a midfielder for Tondala F.C. in Portugal.
My favorite song right now is “Alone” by Petit Biscuit. The artist isn’t that well known, it’s kind of like underground music. He’s a French artist; it’s a little bit of deep house.
My favorite thing about being part of the U family is everything. Everything has been great. Honestly, the trainers have been great; our trainer now, his name is Josh, is great and looks after me. Also, just all of the love and support I feel from everyone here. Everyone loves the U, loves representing the U. Also, my coaches are great, my teammates are amazing and my classes are fun. Like I said, we’re looked after so well that I couldn’t ask for anything else.
At the U, I’ve learned so much from both of my coaches. They’ve instilled hard work, discipline and telling me that tennis isn’t just tennis, it’s about life and what I want to do afterward. So I would say my coaches have been a good influence on me.
One thing everyone should know about Miami tennis is to embrace the heat. Here in Miami, every day the weather is beautiful, but we practice in the morning and it’s really hot and humid. So if you love tennis in Miami, get ready to sweat and embrace the heat, but it’s great.
My high school was a small Christian high school in Oakville. There were about 400 kids in the entire school and about 75 in my graduating class. My first two years were good, the normal high school experience – being a part of clubs, while also playing basketball and soccer. Then my tennis career took off in the 11th and 12th grade. My teachers were the greatest, very understanding and helpful, especially when I was studying for the SATs. Although, because of the change, a couple my high school friendships were lost, but I found my passion through tennis and made new friends that way. If I could do high school all over again; I wouldn’t change anything, that’s for sure.
If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be my brother. I don’t get to see him that often since he’s in Europe. It’s been a while, I spent Christmas with him two years ago, and haven’t seen him since then. It’s been tough because he’s my best friend. I miss him and love him and if I could spend a day with anyone, it would be him.
The best advice I’ve received is that hard work trumps talent.
The ACC is the toughest conference in almost every sport. In tennis, particularly, we have Wake Forest, Virginia, North Carolina, all ranked in the top-5 nationally and they are in our conference. To win the ACCs is like winning NCAAs. It’s the best competition and I’m thankful, because not many people get the opportunity to play so many different players from different countries. The level is really high.
The NCAA Tournament is a little weaker than the ACC’s just because you might get some weaker teams in there from smaller conferences, but honestly, it would be a dream of mine to make it. I didn’t get a chance my first two years at my old school. Last year, we got bounced in the first round. I’m looking forward to hopefully making it this year, and we are definitely going to do our best.
I love tennis because of the individualism. It comes down to you beating another person. It’s like a mental warfare, as well as physically, having to face the heat and environment. It’s everything in one; it’s like a boxing match. I just love the fact that when you win, it’s the best feeling in the world and when you lose, it eats at you. There’s nothing more satisfying than putting the effort in, working hard and seeing the results.
I started playing tennis when I was 14. So I started a little late.
When I think of Miami tennis, I think of the history here. We’ve had really good coaches in the past. Our program still holds the all-time record of 137 consecutive wins, the longest in the history of any collegiate sport, not just tennis, which is incredible. So to be a part of the program with so many greats, and representing the same school as them, I just feel honored.
My favorite part of being a Hurricane student-athlete is the love we get from the students. With that love, you have responsibility to show what it is to be a proud and respectful Cane.
Coral Gables is different from my hometown because of the weather. Other than that it doesn’t feel that much different because it’s quiet, really homey and everyone is super friendly. It just feels like home.
The biggest adjustment from high school to college has been independence. Learning to be on my own, seeing what works for me, how to do school on my own since no one’s going to be on top of me. It’s like self-motivation – find what works for you, find what you love and motivate yourself to do better in class or in the weight room.
When I committed to the University of Miami, I felt excitement. Couldn’t be more excited to come down to Miami. I was just excited to be in a better conference. I was ready to fight with my teammates, meet everyone and just be a part of the U family.
I’m a Hurricane because I want to be. There’s no other place I’d rather be right now in the world. Well, maybe back home with my family, but I have time for that later, so for now I’m going to enjoy every moment I can as if it’s my last year here.
Coach Piric is a tough guy. He’s nice, but there’s no nonsense when we’re on the court. He makes us work hard every day. He keeps us accountable and he knows how to push us to our limits. He’s a good leader. I can’t ask for much more in a coach.
My favorite moment in my tennis career was back when I was 16, we had our nationals in the biggest tournament in Canada. I was a little no name at the time, just trying to make a name for myself. I ended up beating the third seed and making it to the top-5 of the tournament, where I finished fifth. That was the best feeling I have had in my life just because all of the hard work and losses paid off even. My parents cried when I called and told them I won. They did not believe me at first. So that’s probably my favorite moment.
The most influential people in my life are both my parents. I just can’t pick one over the other. My mom sacrificed so much, so did my dad, just to get me here and to give me the life I have right now. So I’m blessed maybe even spoiled, so I can’t just take anything for granted. I’m appreciative of all they’ve done for me.
My biggest fear is being too scared to try, instead of trying and failing.
My first memory of playing tennis is with my first coach and the club near my house. I didn’t know what I was doing, but it was still great. He made playing tennis so much fun and he gave me the love I still have for it, the very first time I met him and practiced. He just told me to love the game and respect it.
