In 2018-19, the Mountain East Conference began its "Dear Sport" initiative where student-athletes in the conference were encouraged to write a letter to their sport. The initiative provides the opportunity for student-athletes to express in their own words the impact that sports has played in shaping them throughout their lives. 

Click here to view all letters posted throughout the year. 

Below is a letter from Kristine Gegeshidze, a tennis player from Charleston

Dear Tennis,

The first time we met was almost 18 years ago, and since that day we haven’t been apart. From the first day, when I could barely hold up a kids racquet to today where you have given me a great education, you have given me so much and more. With all the sweat, tears, and even blood that I left behind with you, I appreciate every single moment.

Our very first encounter was when Coach Boria taught me how to hit a ball over the net. I remember I couldn’t see over the net and missed more balls than I probably hit. As great as those first days were, I also remember the incredible feeling of winning a four and a half hour match in the Armenia June sun. I remember playing Daria Kasatkina in -45? in Toliati in Russia. I also remember that incredible feeling of having Silvana, followed by the rest of the team, launch at me when I hit the last winning point of the Mountain East Conference Tournament in 2016. I also remember walking, well barely walking, off the court after losing a three-setter to my best friend in Rena & Dato final. All these feelings and experiences have given me the reason to get up in the mornings.

Not only did you give me the ability to reminisce on all the good memories, but you also gave me one of the biggest opportunities in my life: You let me come to the United States. A 13-year-old me could not have imagined that you would allow me to attend Kent, and give me this incredible life in America. You let me attend Kent for four years and even got me into the University of Massachusetts, but most importantly you found the University of Charleston for me. One of the 3 happiest years of my life is because you brought me so many wins, so many titles, and so many dear friends.

Thanks to you I have discipline. Thanks to you I have the strength to fight. Thanks to you I am who I am. Words cannot express how much you mean to me.

Thank you,
Kristine Gegeshidze
University of Charleston