ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Tennis is a sport of discipline and focus. One that requires a lot of hours on the court.

St. Petersburg High Junior Anslee Long knows the dedication it takes to be one of the top players in the state – spending 15 hours a week practicing. 

Kevin Quay has been her longtime coach at Isla Del Sol, he says Long’s commitment has allowed her to become one of the top players in the state.  

“I’ve done this for 40 years and I’ve worked with some really good players, without a doubt, she is the hardest working player I’ve worked with ever,” Quay said. “She brings it to the table every day.”

St. Petersburg high coach Joan Simmons says her work ethic sets her apart.

“She’s our example, she’s the one we use,” Simmons said. “You look at her footwork, look at how she’s moving.”

Long excels on the court and in the classroom, balancing a rigorous academic curriculum.

“She's just a tremendous person,” Simmons said. “Inside the classroom, outside the classroom, on the tennis court, off the tennis court, she’s a leader.”

Ranked among the top 20 juniors in the state by Tennis Recruiting, Long has attracted the attention of many college programs.

“I hope to play D-1 tennis, hopefully somewhere in the southeast, but I’m not limiting it to that and maybe a little bit of professional afterwards,” Long said.

Wherever she goes, she’ll take the biggest lesson tennis has taught her.

“It’s taught me to push myself through difficult times, to stay mentally strong through those times. “