Strong family support, aided by good common sense, means Purdue University tennis star Lynsey Fick has it all together.

The senior from Davenport, Iowa, serves as captain of the Boilermaker squad. As captain, she works as the liaison between the coaches and team members. "It's important for the older people on the team to help the younger girls adjust to life as a college athlete," says Fick.

As a three-sport athlete in high school, Fick has adjusted well to her singular involvement in tennis while at Purdue. She had to change her mentality and tap into a time management discipline.

With the help of her two sisters, brother and parents, Fick has learned from her collegiate experiences. For student-athletes pursuing sports, she recommends that students look for a team that is going to be a good fit. "Coaches are important, so make sure you do your background checks, but consider that they may not be at the school forever," says Fick. "Remember that you are going to college for an education as your number one priority. Choose a school that will work well with your interests."

When selecting a team, she indicates how important it is to examine team chemistry. Observe how team members get along and interact with one another. She also recommends taking advantage of all the opportunities that sports presents to student-athletes. Her participation in tennis has allowed her to travel throughout the United States and abroad. This summer Fick travels to Florence, Italy, to study.

Fick started playing tennis when she was 11. "My parents definitely inspired me to become involved in sports. My parents feel that sports teaches teamwork, dedication, hard work and commitment, so we were encouraged at an early age to play sports," says Fick.

Sports kept the Fick children focused and out of trouble growing up. Often, the sisters practiced together and participated on the same sporting teams. Her younger brother, a high school freshman, wants to be a college football quarterback, just like their father.

"Sports keeps our family close. We are all really supportive of each other. Both my sisters attend Purdue, and they come to all of my matches," she says. "My sisters are my two best friends, so it's nice to have their support here all the time."

Although Fick is unsure of what she will be doing next year, she hopes it will revolve around sports marketing. As an advertising major, she worked in the communications department at the Lawn Tennis Association in London. Last summer, she was able to gain practical experience in the field by working at Wimbledon.

When it comes to playing sports, she tells young athletes to give it their best effort to avoid having future regrets. "Enjoy sports. That will make the journey much more fun," Fick says. "Practice and compete as hard as you possibly can, and always try for more. Sports teaches you about life and who you are, so dream as big as you can. That will tell you so much about your future and your success."