Dakota Fernandez introduces himself to Mount St. Mary’s

Carol and Dakota Fernandez went to Academy Sports + Outdoors unsure of what they were looking for.

Dakota was in eighth grade at the time with an open slot in his class schedule to fill. Two of his close friends, Sabrina Tankersley and Sabrina Zheng, encouraged him to join the tennis team. Dakota never played the sport and did not own any equipment, but agreed to give it a try.

Carol was advised by a friend to not spend too much. Tennis equipment is expensive, she was told, and Dakota might decide he doesn’t like the sport.