From the tennis courts at Mercer Island High School to competing at the Division I level, Brock Anderson’s relationship with tennis has taken him across the country, challenged him mentally and physically, and taught him lessons that extend far beyond the sport.

Now a senior at San Diego State University, Brock is studying Communications while playing Division I tennis for the Aztecs. But his tennis story started much closer to home.

“I first started playing tennis when I was six years old,” Brock says. “My parents put me in all sorts of different sports growing up, but tennis was the one that stuck. I loved going to lessons, and once I got on the court, they could barely get me off. I think I just naturally fell in love with competing and playing the game.”

Finding His Way Back to Tennis

Interestingly, Brock’s path to college tennis almost ended before high school even began.

“I had actually quit tennis in eighth grade,” he says. But when he arrived at MIHS, upperclassmen Jack Mattox and Andrew Kaelen encouraged him to come out for the high school team. Brock made varsity as a starter and rediscovered how much he enjoyed the sport.

“Jack and Andrew both played a big role on that team, and that season is still some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing tennis.”

For Brock, his favorite MIHS memories aren’t limited to wins or statistics. Much of what he remembers most is simply being part of the team.

“Some of my favorite memories from MIHS tennis were honestly just showing up to practice after school and getting to play with all my buddies,” he says. “Tennis was a really cool part of my high school experience because it allowed me to connect with so many different people across different grades at MIHS.”

Still, there were plenty of accomplishments along the way. One of his proudest came early: going undefeated in singles during the regular season his freshman year.

By his sophomore year, Brock began to realize tennis could take him even further.

“I realized I had a real opportunity to do something special with tennis, so I moved to Florida to train full-time at a tennis academy,” he says. “I had a lot of older friends in the tennis community who I trained with who were already playing in college. I thought it was the coolest thing that they were able to compete at such a high level while representing a school, and it made me want to do the same.”

From the SEC to San Diego

Brock began his college career at Louisiana State University, competing in the Southeastern Conference. One of his most memorable accomplishments there came during his freshman year, when his team reached the semifinals of the SEC Tournament and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Last year, Brock entered the transfer portal and ultimately chose San Diego State.

“When I entered the transfer portal, I wanted to find a school with a strong tennis program but also somewhere I could enjoy my life outside of tennis,” he says. “San Diego checked both boxes. I get to compete at a high level while also being somewhere I can surf, golf, fish, and enjoy everything Southern California has to offer.”

The transition from high school to Division I tennis showed Brock just how global and demanding the sport can be.

“High school tennis has great players, but you’re mostly competing against people within your state or region,” he explains. “College tennis opened my eyes to how many amazing players there are around the world who come to the U.S. to play Division I tennis.”

The schedule is equally intense. Brock’s weeks typically run Monday through Saturday, beginning with early morning weights, followed by classes and several hours of practice. Afterward, there’s homework to finish and, occasionally, just enough daylight left for an evening surf.

During the season, weekends frequently mean traveling to compete against other schools.

“It’s a demanding schedule, and you learn pretty quickly how much work it takes to compete at that level.”

What has been your proudest moment since coming to San Diego State?

“One of my favorite moments was traveling to Boise State this past season and beating them on their home courts,” Brock says. “San Diego State hadn’t won there in almost 10 years, so being part of the team that broke that streak was pretty special.”

Learning to Separate the Athlete From the Person

Perhaps the biggest lesson Brock has learned through tennis has little to do with his forehand, serve or ranking.

“Tennis is an incredibly tough sport mentally because, at the end of the day, it’s just you out there,” he says. “Whether you win or lose, you have to take responsibility for how you competed and performed that day.”

Over the years, Brock has learned that handling that pressure sometimes means knowing when to leave the sport behind.

“What has helped me the most is learning to find joy in playing regardless of the result. I try to stay grateful that I’m healthy enough to compete and that I get the opportunity to play Division I tennis.”

He has also gotten better at leaving tennis on the court. After a difficult practice or match, he can go surf, spend time with friends or do something entirely unrelated to the sport.

That perspective has changed not only how Brock approaches life, but also how he competes.

“One of the biggest things tennis has taught me is that the sport doesn’t define who I am as a person,” he says. “When I was younger, and even early in my college career, I would carry wins and losses with me long after I left the court. My results could dictate my mood for the rest of the day.”

Over the past year, Brock has learned to separate himself from the outcome.

“Ironically, learning to disconnect from the results has allowed me to play more freely, enjoy competing more, and enjoy my life outside of tennis more too.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Looking back, Brock credits his time at MIHS with helping establish the discipline and work ethic required to succeed at the collegiate level.

“College athletics are demanding both physically and mentally, but having that experience throughout high school gave me a good foundation going into college.”

What advice would you give a current MIHS athlete who hopes to compete in college?

“Stick with it,” Brock says. “It’s really easy to get caught up in results and start comparing yourself to other athletes, especially when you’re young. If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all the years of competing, it’s that everyone has their own path.”

His advice is to work hard, stay level-headed through the inevitable ups and downs, and most importantly, continue enjoying the sport. “Progress isn’t always going to be a straight line, and sometimes the biggest improvements come after the toughest stretches.” For now, Brock is focused on making the most of his final year of college tennis.

“My goals for the rest of college are to continue improving as a tennis player, get my degree, and make the most of my final season competing for San Diego State,” he says. “After graduation, I want to make a run at playing professionally and see how far I can take my tennis.”

“I’m really looking forward to my senior year and excited to compete alongside my teammates one more time.”

Quick Hits With Brock

Singles or doubles?
“Singles, for sure.”

Favorite professional player?
“Novak Djokovic. I’d argue he might be one of the greatest athletes of all time.”

Pre-match ritual?
“I have to listen to reggae music before I play. It helps me relax and get into a flow state. Bob Marley is always my go-to.”

Something people might be surprised to learn about you?
“When I’m not playing tennis, I love to surf and ski. Being outside and doing things away from the tennis court is a huge part of how I like to spend my free time.”