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Meible Chi: The Rock of the Lineup
4/15/2017 9:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
By Sarah Leggett, GoDuke the Magazine
DURHAM, N.C. – As a young aspiring athlete, many envision lacing up their shoes, throwing on the jersey of their dream school and competing against the best of the best. Meible Chi turned that vision into reality.
“I have two older siblings, a sister and a brother, and they both started playing tennis when I was younger because we live next to a tennis club,” said Chi, whose brother Sean played tennis at the U.S. Air Force Academy and whose sister Lynn played collegiately at California.
“I kind of just followed in their footsteps and grew up around it.”
Chi was able to benefit from seeing her siblings go through the college recruitment process and ultimately realized her long-term goals on the court as well.
“Seeing (Lynn) go through the process allowed me to realize the great benefits of playing tennis on the collegiate level and the opportunities that it brings.”
Chi's high school days differed slightly from those of her current Duke teammates in that she was enrolled in an online school, Florida Virtual School, so she didn't play for a high school team. Instead of heading out to practice with her classmates after the final school bell rang each afternoon, Chi had more individualized training with a private coach, an academy or a small group and would then go on to compete individually.
Although her schooling might not be considered traditional, Chi was always a force on the court prior to coming to Duke.
In singles action, she reached the semifinal round of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) International Spring Singles Championships last April and posted a fourth-place showing at the USTA G18 National Clay Court Championships in 2015. In doubles, Chi took the title at the USTA National selection tournament and reached the finals competition at the 2015 Pan American ITA Championships, along with several quarterfinal appearances, including the 2016 Easter Bowl Championship, the 2015 Metropolia Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship, the 2015 Abierto Juvenil Mexicano, the 2015 Claremont ITF, the 2014 Evert American ITF and the 2014 Atlanta ITF.
With such an extensive tennis resumé, Chi says she was forced to balance her academics with her athletics, and does the same now at Duke.
“I graduated early, so although it was online school, I had a lot of work and it was all on my own pace,” very similar to the college lifestyle. “I had to manage my schoolwork at my own pace growing up and that's how it is here at Duke. My professors will give me a deadline and I have to manage everything myself.”
Chi (her name is pronounced Mabel Chee) says her practice time now compared to high school has been reduced. “It's been interesting because I don't have my mom helping me manage everything, so I've had to learn to schedule everything for myself. It's been somewhat of a trial and error, but I've found my way.”
Chi has been an important part of her Duke team's success this season as she topped the squad with a 28-10 singles record through early April, along with a 10-3 doubles ledger with partner Kaitlyn McCarthy.
She has found a home on court two for singles and court one for doubles, and has flourished into the student-athlete she had hoped to be in her first year at Duke.
“This season has been challenging for me, but I also know I've learned from it. I haven't had quite the same success as I did in the fall, but I know I'm still improving and moving forward each match I play.”
Ranked 24th in the country in singles, Chi has defeated eight Top-100 foes, including then-No. 2 Luisa Stefani of Pepperdine.
In doubles, Chi and McCarthy have been ranked as high as 25th this season and have tallied three wins over ranked opponents during regular season action.
“Meible has been a rock for us all year, whether it's been in singles or doubles,” said head coach Jamie Ashworth, whose team was undefeated in ACC play at 9-0 with five matches remaining before the ACC Tournament. “She's been tremendous. She goes out on the court every time we play and gives everything she has.”
Chi loves the level of commitment and dedication her teammates and coaches have as they encourage her to always give her best and strive for a high standard, both on and off the court. “My team has been by my side and I'm sure these relationships will be one of the best highlights of my time at Duke.”
Chi has concentrated on her mental game throughout the spring schedule and says that is what allows her to continually improve her game. “I plan on remaining as committed and enthusiastic about training and competing as I have been during my freshman year here at Duke,” she noted. “I want to go out to every match or practice with a purpose or goal.”
While Chi's sights are set on a championship during the short-term, her academic and long-term career aspirations are also at the forefront. “There is always the option of playing professional, and I'm keeping that open since you can go pro during school or after you graduate. I'm also looking to become a doctor and go into the medical field. I haven't declared yet, but my major might be biology. There are a lot of things up in the air right now, and I'm really excited.”
As Chi heads down the stretch run of her rookie season in Durham, she says she's enjoyed being surrounded by a community that fosters growth.
“Being a student-athlete has its challenges, but I would not trade this past school year for anything else. It is a journey and I want to always embrace obstacles and become wiser as I conquer each and every one.”
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