From the time she was a tot, tennis has always been a part of Courtney Jenkins’ life. Jenkins was five years old when she started playing tennis.

At the age of seven, she started participating in the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Educations National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) summer program. At 15, Jenkins is currently the number one girl tennis player at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill. 

“Tennis has always been a part of who I am,” Jenkins said. “My family has always been a part of the sport, especially with the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education. I started playing tennis when I was five years old and the journey so far has been great. I’ve had my share of victories and losses, but it’s something that I really enjoy.”

In 2010, Jenkins won the girls’ singles NJTL Stern Cup. During the 2011 NJTL season, she was a junior tennis instructor at the Cobbs Creek Park tennis courts. Jenkins also played on the girls advance team at the NJTL Drexel University site, and was Stern Cup runner-up. Jenkins’ latest milestone occurred on Sept. 29 when she won the Del Val League singles championship for the second consecutive year.

“I had a lot of success with tennis so far, but the moment that means the most to me is when I was the first girl from my school to go to districts and win past the first round,” Jenkins said. “That record means the most to me, because it is something that has never been done. Even though I was really nervous when I went to districts, the experience was something that I will never forget.”

In addition to her tennis talents, Jenkins also plays softball and basketball at Academy Park. In softball, Jenkins’ position is catcher. In basketball, she plays shooting guard, center and forward. She sings in her church’s choir and plays the drums. 

“I’ve always been the type of person who wanted to participate in everything, especially in sports,” Jenkins said. “At times it can be challenging because there is so much going on, and I have to make up a lot of work, but it’s all worth it; I really enjoy it. Even though I have accomplished so much in tennis, I would have to say my favorite sport is softball.

“I love going to the games and practicing, and I just love the position that I play,” she said. “I love all of the sports that I participate in, but if I have to choose a favorite one it would definitely be softball.”

Being organized, having a detailed schedule and family support, is what makes Jenkins’ schedule manageable. In the future, Jenkins wants to go to college and major in photography.

“I’m very proud of my daughter,” said her father, Duwaine Jenkins. “Her mother and I make sure she does everything that she is supposed to do by having a very detailed schedule for her. She is a very consistent tennis player and she loves everything that she does.

“She never gives up and she always strives to win,” he added. “I’m proud to have her as my daughter and she will always have my support in everything that she does.”