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When freshman Francesca Simpson arrived in Conway from Middlesbrough, England, she brought with her a fierce competitive spirit and a lifelong passion for tennis that began when she was just six years old. After an impressive fall season in which she posted a 6-1 doubles record, Simpson is already making her mark on the Coastal Carolina women’s tennis program.
Tennis has been a constant in Simpson’s life since she first picked up a racket at her local club.
“I started playing tennis when I was six because my parents signed me up for a summer camp,” Simpson said.
That simple introduction sparked what would become a standout junior career in the United Kingdom. Before joining the Chanticleers, Simpson had already built an impressive résumé that included five British Tour titles, a Babolat Cup Championship, and an incredible 15-0 record at the Summer County Cup for three consecutive years alongside her doubles partner.
On the court, Simpson thrives in fast-paced conditions.
“My favorite surface to play on is grass because it suits my game well, and I love fast courts,” she explained. “I’m definitely an aggressive player — I like to take the first strike, either with my serve or my forehand.”
Like many international athletes, Simpson grew up dreaming of playing college tennis in the United States — a dream that became reality when she joined Coastal Carolina.
“I have always wanted to play college tennis since I was younger; it was a big dream for me growing up,” she said.
When it came time to choose a program, the Chanticleers stood out for more than just their success.
“The main things I loved about Coastal were the coaches and the team — they were all so nice and welcoming — and of course, the location. You have to love the beach!” Simpson said.
Adjusting to life in the U.S. has been exciting, though it’s come with a few cultural surprises.
“The biggest difference I’ve noticed is the slang and how words can have completely different meanings,” she said with a laugh. “Everything here is a lot bigger — the cars, the roads — and there are so many food options we don’t have at home.”
And speaking of food, Simpson has already discovered an American favorite.
“I love Chipotle! We don’t have it at home, but other than that, I actually prefer the fast food back home — it just tastes a bit healthier, and the portions are smaller,” she joked.
Settling into college life has been made easier by the strong sense of community within the Coastal tennis team.
“My teammates helped me settle in really well,” she said. “When I first got here, they showed me around, took me to the beach, and we just hung out together.”
Looking back on the recruiting process, Simpson admits it was challenging but ultimately rewarding.
“It was really long and tough—it felt like it was never-ending—making sure I had all the right documents and got my visa,” she said. “But I’m so happy to finally be here.”
With her energy, determination, and strong early results on the court, Francesca Simpson looks poised to play a key role in shaping the future success of Chanticleer tennis.