Elizabeth Lumpkin’s memories of her time at Naperville Central are vivid. She shared that a favorite moment in her high school career was winning her fourth state singles title, remembering, “The morning of the state championship final rounds was rainy and cold. I had a nagging injury and was worried I may not be able to complete my matches that day. When I arrived at the tournament site, every single one of my teammates was already there. I am sure they were cold, wet and probably preferred sleeping in much later on a Saturday morning. There is no way for me to know, because none of them ever complained about the time, weather or rain delay. Instead, my teammates greeted me courtside with enthusiasm, decorative signs, and positive messages. That heartwarming image of my teammates is what comes to mind when I think of Naperville Central. Redhawk pride was not about finishing first. It was about inspiring each other to perform to the best of our abilities and supporting each other regardless of the outcome.” Lumpkin certainly inspired many in her four years at NCHS, both on and off the tennis court.As a high school senior, Lumpkin became the first and only girl in Illinois history to win 4 straight state championships. She was a 4-time All-Conference and All-State Selection, as well as a 4-time All-Conference and All-State Academic Selection. She went a combined 54-0 in her junior and senior seasons, finishing her high school tennis career with a 76-match winning streak and an overall singles record of 127-5. On the national level, she represented the US in the Junior Fed Cup in La Baule, France, and was ranked in the top 5 nationally in both the 16 and 18 & under divisions. Her fierce style of play was matched by her personal grace, a unique and inspiring balance that earned her the International Tennis Hall of Fame Bill Talbert Sportmanship Award and the IHSA Tom Pitchford Memorial Sportmanship Award, as well as the distinction of being a Red and White winner for tennis. Lumpkin made her presence known early, selected as a freshman as one of Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd.” She was also named the Chicago Tribune/WGN Prep Athlete of the Month. Lumpkin worked as hard in the classroom as she did on the court, graduating in the top 5% of her class and earning recognition as a National Honor Society member, an ISAC State Scholar, and a Chicago Tribune Prep Scholar Athlete.At the University of California Los Angeles, Lumpkin was a captain and starter for the 2008 NCAA Championship team (where she clinched their semi-final victory over the University of Florida), as well as a starter on the 2007 NCAA Finalist team. She was a PAC 10 Player of the Week in February 2008 and was named to the PAC-10 All Academic Team three times. A natural and powerful leader, Lumpkin was the chair of the PAC-10 Student Athlete Advisory Committee and an Arthur Ashe Leadership Award recipient. Intrinsically motivated in all areas of her life, Lumpkin tackled every possible academic and professional opportunity. She was one of 30 UCLA students to participate in the Center for American Politics and Public Policy Program in Washington, D.C., interning at CBS Evening News. Lumpkin earned a Dean’s Prize for undergraduate research for original research on media coverage of domestic violence conducted during her time at the CAPPP program and won a PAC 10 “Healthy Minds” scholarship for post graduate study. She earned a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Political Science, graduating magna cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors.As a professional tennis player, Lumpkin is currently ranked in the top 500 in the world in singles and the top 350 in the world in doubles. She reached a career high WTA Ranking of 443 in singles and 280 in doubles and holds 6 pro circuit doubles titles, as well as a singles title. Lumpkin is a touring pro for Palm Valley Country Club and loves coaching nationally ranked juniors, ages 7-18. She is married to Jason Robinson and lives in Palm Desert, California.As a coach and a competitor, Lumpkin is passionate about commitment to excellence, advising today’s Redhawks, “Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart. Whether it is homework, chores or a talent of yours, do it enthusiasm and diligence. Work as if everything depends on you, but seek the help and knowledge of those more experienced. Develop the gifts you have, but never miss a chance to praise the talents of others. Expect obstacles and challenges in your pursuits. When you find things are especially difficult, remember this: ‘Even the most magical of fairy tales has a dragon or two.’”What is perhaps most inspiring about Lumpkin’s storied career is that no matter the dragon, she never gave up. Her grace, humility and hard work are examples for all of the Redhawk community, now and “ever after.”