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From Setback to Comeback: Coleman’s Triumphant Return and Hopeful Finale at Duke
9/10/2024 10:30:00 AM | Women's Tennis
DURHAM, N.C.-- Ellie Coleman's junior year of college tennis was poised for success, as she had already achieved impressive feats on the court and was one of the hottest Blue Devils on the court.
She was named an ITA Scholar-Athlete, boasted 10 singles wins and 12 doubles victories. Her singles play was particularly strong, winning nine out of her last 14 matches, including five out of the last six. Coleman's momentum seemed unstoppable — until an unexpected injury derailed everything. For many athletes, a season-ending injury is the ultimate test of resolve, and for Coleman, it was a challenge like no other.
Reflecting on her injury, Coleman said, "It was definitely unfortunate timing. I felt like the year was going well, getting into the main part, going into conference season. It is the longest injury I have ever dealt with. I have had small injuries here and there, but nothing to that extent. It was definitely hard to get through knowing because the team season is something that's really important to me and I really enjoy it. And so having to miss a lot of that was definitely unfortunate."
Before suffering an unfortunate injury in early February, Coleman was ranked as high as No. 74 nationally in singles, before finishing the year at No. 102, and in the Carolina Region, she was ranked No. 17.
One of the standout moments of her season came when she opened with a thrilling 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Ohio State's 16th-ranked Irina Cantos Siemers. She also claimed a solid, 6-1, 6-4, win over No. 93 Madeleine Jessup of Princeton, and won five out of her last six singles matches of the year.
The setback provided Coleman with an unexpected perspective on both her career and her relationship with tennis. Before her injury, her focus was intensely driven by performance, competition, and success on the court.
However, being sidelined forced her to step back from that fast-paced environment and reflect on her journey.
"A lot of people would say this coming back from an injury, but I think there's just an amount of gratitude for the sport that comes from being forced to be out," said Coleman. "Just any day I get to step on the court at all is a great day and then anything more than that is a bonus."
Now back in action, Coleman is optimistic about her final season. Aware that this is her last time competing at the collegiate level, she feels a strong drive to cherish every moment she has left wearing the Duke uniform.
"Anytime I get to wear the Duke jersey is just such a privilege, and I think it's something that can be taken for granted, but I try to keep that perspective every time this has been my dream since when I started playing tennis and so to really see myself live out that dream," said Coleman. "I think it's really important to remember that and I do think having been out last year, there's just an extra amount of excitement for me in being able to get back out there, being able to compete with my teammates beside me and do it one last time."
Over three years, Coleman has turned in solid numbers with 58 career singles wins, including three against nationally-ranked opponents, has been ranked as high as No. 48 nationally in singles and No. 18 in doubles and totaled 56 doubles wins.
Although Coleman may be hanging up her college uniform in late May, part of Coleman knows that her tennis journey is still far from over.
Knowing that tennis would be a major part of Coleman's life, she explains that as she got older and grew in the sport, the idea of turning towards a professional career has taken up more and more of her mind, especially with her senior season fast approaching.
"I don't want to close any doors until I have to, and so I try to keep all my options open until I really have to start making decisions," said Coleman. "I've been very open my whole college career thinking that I maybe want to play, but I'm not quite sure yet and kind of just like seeing how I go. Now that I'm going into my last year, I really realized that I'm not done with tennis yet, and I really think I would regret it if I didn't give myself a chance to at least try and play pro for a little bit."
Professional tennis aside, Coleman also has her aspirations for the future guiding her down the medical route, where she has furthered her interest through Duke's own CAPE (Collegiate Athlete Premedical Experience) Program, which is a unique mentoring program at Duke that provides female student-athletes unparalleled exposure to the field of medicine.
The six-week summer internship over the summer allowed her to explore various medical fields and specialties, preparing her for life beyond tennis.
It is no surprise to anyone who knows Coleman that her future is exceptionally bright, both on and off the court. However, coming off missing her junior season, she remains determined to live in the moment and enjoy her time still sporting her Blue Devil jersey.
Fans can watch Coleman and the rest of the Blue Devils in action this weekend as Duke opens the 2024 fall campaign at the UNC Invitational Sept. 13-15 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's tennis, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWTEN".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
She was named an ITA Scholar-Athlete, boasted 10 singles wins and 12 doubles victories. Her singles play was particularly strong, winning nine out of her last 14 matches, including five out of the last six. Coleman's momentum seemed unstoppable — until an unexpected injury derailed everything. For many athletes, a season-ending injury is the ultimate test of resolve, and for Coleman, it was a challenge like no other.
Reflecting on her injury, Coleman said, "It was definitely unfortunate timing. I felt like the year was going well, getting into the main part, going into conference season. It is the longest injury I have ever dealt with. I have had small injuries here and there, but nothing to that extent. It was definitely hard to get through knowing because the team season is something that's really important to me and I really enjoy it. And so having to miss a lot of that was definitely unfortunate."
Before suffering an unfortunate injury in early February, Coleman was ranked as high as No. 74 nationally in singles, before finishing the year at No. 102, and in the Carolina Region, she was ranked No. 17.
One of the standout moments of her season came when she opened with a thrilling 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Ohio State's 16th-ranked Irina Cantos Siemers. She also claimed a solid, 6-1, 6-4, win over No. 93 Madeleine Jessup of Princeton, and won five out of her last six singles matches of the year.
The setback provided Coleman with an unexpected perspective on both her career and her relationship with tennis. Before her injury, her focus was intensely driven by performance, competition, and success on the court.
However, being sidelined forced her to step back from that fast-paced environment and reflect on her journey.
"A lot of people would say this coming back from an injury, but I think there's just an amount of gratitude for the sport that comes from being forced to be out," said Coleman. "Just any day I get to step on the court at all is a great day and then anything more than that is a bonus."
Now back in action, Coleman is optimistic about her final season. Aware that this is her last time competing at the collegiate level, she feels a strong drive to cherish every moment she has left wearing the Duke uniform.
"Anytime I get to wear the Duke jersey is just such a privilege, and I think it's something that can be taken for granted, but I try to keep that perspective every time this has been my dream since when I started playing tennis and so to really see myself live out that dream," said Coleman. "I think it's really important to remember that and I do think having been out last year, there's just an extra amount of excitement for me in being able to get back out there, being able to compete with my teammates beside me and do it one last time."
Over three years, Coleman has turned in solid numbers with 58 career singles wins, including three against nationally-ranked opponents, has been ranked as high as No. 48 nationally in singles and No. 18 in doubles and totaled 56 doubles wins.
Although Coleman may be hanging up her college uniform in late May, part of Coleman knows that her tennis journey is still far from over.
Knowing that tennis would be a major part of Coleman's life, she explains that as she got older and grew in the sport, the idea of turning towards a professional career has taken up more and more of her mind, especially with her senior season fast approaching.
"I don't want to close any doors until I have to, and so I try to keep all my options open until I really have to start making decisions," said Coleman. "I've been very open my whole college career thinking that I maybe want to play, but I'm not quite sure yet and kind of just like seeing how I go. Now that I'm going into my last year, I really realized that I'm not done with tennis yet, and I really think I would regret it if I didn't give myself a chance to at least try and play pro for a little bit."
Professional tennis aside, Coleman also has her aspirations for the future guiding her down the medical route, where she has furthered her interest through Duke's own CAPE (Collegiate Athlete Premedical Experience) Program, which is a unique mentoring program at Duke that provides female student-athletes unparalleled exposure to the field of medicine.
The six-week summer internship over the summer allowed her to explore various medical fields and specialties, preparing her for life beyond tennis.
It is no surprise to anyone who knows Coleman that her future is exceptionally bright, both on and off the court. However, coming off missing her junior season, she remains determined to live in the moment and enjoy her time still sporting her Blue Devil jersey.
Fans can watch Coleman and the rest of the Blue Devils in action this weekend as Duke opens the 2024 fall campaign at the UNC Invitational Sept. 13-15 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's tennis, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWTEN".
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
Eleana Yu Post Match vs. Auburn
Saturday, May 10
Jame Ashworth Post Match vs. Auburn
Saturday, May 10
Ellie Coleman Post Match vs. FAU
Saturday, May 03
Jamie Ashworth Post Match vs. FAU
Saturday, May 03
