Former Section V tennis star to compete at Wimbledon: What to know about the Mendon native
The Mendon native is currently ranked No. 70 in the world in doubles play and will be reuniting with Martins July 3 to kick off her second career campaign at Wimbledon.
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Gleason's journey to the sport's biggest stage has been marked by a relentless dedication to her craft, dating back to her days as a student-athlete at Honeoye Falls-Lima.
Quinn Gleason's Section V tennis career
After training under local legend and former US Open competitor Billy Nealon at the Tennis Club of Rochester, she began to leave her mark. Gleason dominated Section V competition during her formative years, starting her varsity career in the seventh grade, going undefeated for five years of league play. She went on to earn various accolades including a third place finish at the state championship and a national ranking of No. 12.
During her senior year, she played for HFL's boys team and represented them in the NYSPHSAA state boys tennis championships.
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'She's a real force at the net,' says Suzanne McGrain, a longtime family friend of Gleason's who recently watched Gleason compete at the French Open. 'She can crush the ball cross-court, but it's obvious she has a great time too.'
Craig McGrain, who practiced with Gleason during her early teens, emphasized her abilities. 'It was really fun watching her grow up and go from a club player to someone that really puts the heat on.'
Her high school dominance earned her the No. 2 ranking among tennis recruits in New York State and a scholarship to play at Notre Dame. Gleason would quickly prove herself on the national stage, earning MVP honors as a freshman and leading the Fighting Irish to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. She would earn three varsity monograms before graduating in 2016.
'Eventually, it got to the point where Craig couldn't hit with her anymore,' Suzanne McGrain said.
Quinn Gleason, 11, of Mendon, won the Rochester District Tennis Association singles title against much older opponents in 2006.
More: How to watch Quinn Gleason in Wimbledon women's doubles tennis: Time, streaming
Quinn Gleason's pro tennis career
Since turning pro, Gleason has spent her career competing in open events around the world, making numerous appearances in World Tennis Association (WTA) and International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments across Europe, South America and the United Kingdom.
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She has captured four WTA doubles titles – three of which came at the challenger level – and 16 ITF doubles titles, along with a singles victory at the ITF Circuit. Her triumphs have earned her just over $200,000 in total prize money.
Gleason isn't the only upstate New York native at this year's Wimbledon. Jessica Pegula, who defeated Gleason in a doubles match at the 2023 US Open, competed in the singles bracket looking to secure her second career tournament title.
Quinn Gleason (L) of the United States and partner Elizabeth Mandlik of the United States converse during their Women's Doubles First Round match against Jessica Pegula of the United States and Coco Gauff of the United States on Day Three of the 2023 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2023 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
Pegula, the daughter of Buffalo Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula and the No. 3 seed, was expected to make a deep run. Instead, she suffered a stunning first-round upset on Tuesday afternoon at the hands of Italy's Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
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While the regional rivals were not slated to compete in the same bracket, Pegula's early exit clears another big name from the field allowing Gleason to focus her energy on leaving her mark on the doubles draw.
Despite the competitive nature of the sport, Gleason remains her true self.
'She always has a huge smile on her face, on and off the court,' Craig McGrain added. 'If you see her play, you know she's having a good time.'
From achieving Section V glory to competing on the world's biggest tennis stage, Gleason's journey is a testament of what years of dedication and hard work can bring.
Rodrigo Feijao is an intern for the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, focusing on sports-related stories and local music. He can be found on Instagram @rfeijao_777 and can be reached at RFeijao@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Quinn Gleason to compete at Wimbledon after starring in Rochester area
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