Since he was young, Ball State freshman Ray Leonard was destined to become a tennis player.
Throughout his childhood, Leonard was constantly exposed to professional tennis. His father, Ray Leonard II, played collegiate tennis for Indiana in the early ‘80s.
Despite the family tradition, Leonard still had a tough decision to make going into his freshman year of high school, choosing between tennis and soccer.
"It was really hard for me to choose between the two," Leonard said. "I remember being heartbroken, but I did have this stirring passion for tennis. I'm glad I did go with tennis. It has given me so many opportunities so far; I enjoy the social aspect of it and I love to compete with it."
He said his dad's playing experience influenced his decision.
"My dad has been a role model for me," he said. "He taught me how to play the game pretty much from scratch, play it with class and be honest, which is a part of tennis I really value."
Leonard continued his development throughout his high school years at Bloomington North High School. As a freshman, he was already playing No. 1 singles.
"As a freshman, I started to win matches and get better," Leonard said. "I found it was the right sport for me. When I made that decision going into my freshman year whether I play soccer or tennis, when I picked tennis, I took it and didn't look back. I knew it was what I wanted to do. And that's when I started setting goals to play college tennis."
Throughout his high school career, Leonard improved and his goals became possible. He finished with a 64-9 career record, was a state-runner up and a First Team All-State selection his junior year.
It was during this time Leonard was introduced to Ball State coach Bill Richards through the Indiana Midwest Junior Davis Cup team he coached.
"He helped get me on the team my sophomore year," Leonard said. "He gave me playing time on the team, which was huge for my confidence. Every time, I had a great experience with him. He's a tough competitor, and I like his aggressive style as a coach. That really drew me to Ball State."
Leonard met his doubles partner, junior Dalton Albertin, when Bloomington North played Lawrence Central his freshman and sophomore years.
"Both of those matches were unique," Albertin said. "I won, but he's continually gotten better. Over the time this summer, we spent time together, played a few tournaments together and traveled. Definitely his freshman year, we were more acquaintances. But our relationship's built from then on."
Going going into his ninth match of the spring season, he's won his last six singles and doubles' matches. Leonard was named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Week on Feb. 1 and Feb. 15.
"[Leonard's] everything you look for in an athlete," Richards said. "He's a great student, great competitor, very good player and an easy guy to coach. In coaching circles, when you talk about players on your team, you talk about guys that are high maintenance, low maintenance and no maintenance. Ray is one of those no maintenance guys. He comes to practice and works hard every day."
Richards said he expects Leonard to continue his contributions to the team for the rest of the season.
"He has been an impact player," he said. "I think he will continue to be an impact player for us. When you get any new freshman that comes in and can be able to play high in the lineup in both singles and doubles right away, that definitely makes a huge impact on your team."
As for Leonard, he said he wants to continue his development as a tennis player in a variety of areas.
"[My goals are] becoming more consistent from the base line, volleying better in both singles and doubles and improving my fitness," he said. "I feel like when I'm most fit, I'm successful on the court. I've never set any lineup goals because it's one of those things where wherever coach puts me, I just want to help the team out."
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