‘My Dad Had a Small Landscaping Business’ – Danielle Collins Explains Financial Support Barriers in Her Career and College Tennis’ Contribution

For Danielle Collins, the journey to success was not a straight line, but a path filled with lessons and obstacles. But what helped her propel forward in times of difficulties? Well, it was the varied experience of the college environment that ultimately led her to believe in herself.

The Miami and Charleston Open winner is moving like a storm through the current Italian Open with three-round victories to her name. And the confidence in her style of play is inevitable to miss. However, it was not the case initially, as Danielle Collins admitted during a conversation with Andy Roddick in the “Served” podcast. “I didn’t have self-confidence in myself to be like, ‘Okay, I can really do well and make a living playing professional tennis’.”

However, the 30-year-old player, who played tennis at the University of Florida before transferring to the University of Virginia, confessed how college made a significant change in her perspective. “It gives you the environment in being on a team. Especially when you play sports. Having teammates and coaches are who are supportive of you. But yeah, for me it was the best thing.”

Even during her college days, Danielle Collins’ achievements were remarkable. With two NCAA singles titles to her name back in 2014 and 2016, Collins was already showing a glimpse of her future endeavors in tennis. However, even then, Collins believed that she could only belong in the World 300 or 400. 

Especially after the financial problems that she had to face back in the day. “My mom was a preschool teacher. And my dad had a small landscaping business. I did not grow up with much. And I think in order to have a tennis career you have to have some type of financial support.”   

However, she further went on to add how college helped her in that regard as well. “I think college give me a great pathway because I could connect with the right people. And once I was done with college, I connected with some amazing people who were part of the academia world with the research that I needed to start my career.” But her struggles  did not end thre.

The time when Danielle Collins was looked down upon

Danielle Collins has previously disclosed how being a college graduate was looked down upon by some players in the WTA tour. And not just that. After winning her maiden Miami Open title, she had also addressed how she faced criticism during her Australian Open semifinal run in 2019. Collins, who was only 25 years old back then, disclosed how some players told her they thought of retiring by her age.

“I remember after I made the semifinals in Australia. People were like, ‘Oh, do you know Collins never won a match before this?’. I’m like, ‘I’d only played three or four tournaments’. I had former players much older than me come up to me and go, like, ‘Wow, I was retiring at your age!'”

However, those challenges never backed her down. She further added how it helped her to be the person she is proud of, “And to get through those challenging moments, I’m definitely proud of me as a person.” Today, Danielle Collins stands as a testament to the power of collegiate sports in shaping not just athletes, but confident individuals ready to take on the world.