Case Study: Kamila Suneeva — Relentless Work Ethic, High Standards, and Choosing the Right Environment to Grow: Committing to the University of St. Thomas (Miami)
Some recruits stand out because of natural talent. Others stand out because of how hard they work. Kamila Suneeva stands out because she refuses to settle for anything less than her full potential.
Originally from Russia, Kamila came to tennis later than most high-level players. But what she lacked in an early start, she more than made up for with intensity, discipline, and an unmatched work ethic. From the moment you watch her train, one thing is clear: Kamila takes her development seriously. She trains harder than almost anyone around her, and she holds herself to an extremely high standard.
Kamila began her college journey at Edinboro University for her freshman year. While the opportunity was valuable, she quickly realized something important about herself—she needed a stronger, more demanding training environment. The level of daily intensity wasn't where she wanted it to be, and for Kamila, progress mattered more than comfort.
Instead of staying in a situation that didn't push her, she made a mature and difficult decision. Kamila returned to Russia to continue her academics while resetting her recruiting process, with a clear goal: come back to the U.S. in Fall 2026 and find a university where tennis development was taken seriously every single day.
That's where we stepped in.
From the beginning, Kamila was clear about what she wanted. She wasn't looking for just any program—she wanted a coach who demanded more, teammates who worked just as hard, and an environment where improvement was inevitable. Location and weather mattered too, but only if the tennis side was right. Because of that, we were extremely selective, speaking only with coaches who were truly serious about training and long-term player development.
Everything came together with the University of St. Thomas in Miami.
The fit was immediate. The coach is highly committed, the training environment is intense, and the team culture is built around accountability and growth. Players at St. Thomas consistently improve, and the program has a proven track record of developing motivated athletes. On top of that, the location checked every box—Miami offers year-round outdoor training, access to high-level tournaments, and an environment that supports both athletic and academic success.
We've built a strong relationship with the coaching staff at St. Thomas over time and have successfully placed multiple players there. Knowing the culture and expectations made the decision even clearer. This wasn't just a good option—it was the right one.
With everything aligned—the training level, the coaching philosophy, the team, and the location—Kamila committed to the University of St. Thomas in Miami, confident that this environment will allow her to take real steps forward in her game while earning a strong education.
We're incredibly excited for Kamila. Her journey hasn't been linear, but it's been intentional. Her discipline, resilience, and refusal to settle are exactly what lead to long-term success. St. Thomas is gaining a player who will push the standard every day—and this next chapter is only the beginning.
We're proud to be part of her path.
