Happy, hardworking and disciplined. Three words that define Sherin Scheerle. Born and raised in Egg, Switzerland, Scheerle has been a member of TJC women’s tennis team for nearly two years and is majoring in general studies. 

Her tennis journey began at six years old during what she describes as an “open door day” at her local tennis club in her hometown.

“At the tennis club, me and my parents just went there to get food and just have fun with friends. Somehow, I just ended up with a tennis racket on the court,” Scheerle said. “I was dancing and playing soccer at that time, but tennis felt different. I liked how it was challenging and I remember, I didn’t want to leave the court.”

From that moment, Scheerle discovered a new passion, a spark that would eventually carry her on the other side of the world  to Tyler years later to became a college athlete.

I felt really excited, and it was like a big moment, because all the hard work had finally paid off, and I was super motivated to come here, work hard, meet new people, and get the whole college experience,” Scheerle said.

  For Scheerle, a defining moment in her life happened before college. In fifth grade, she became seriously ill with a severe fever that sidelined her for half a year.

“I couldn’t go to school. I couldn’t play tennis. I was just lying in bed, sometimes sleeping for 14 or 15 hours. I got up, ate like a piece of bread and went back to sleep because I was so tired, and I felt like I never knew if I could do sports again or if I could return to my normal life,” Scheerle said.

Scheerle was home schooled due to lack of energy and struggled to focus. “I remember I had to do school, and I couldn’t do school longer than 10 minutes because I was so tired, and I went directly back to bed,” she said.

The next challenge was returning to the court, picking up the racket again, and pushing through practice until her strength and confidence came back.

“I remember going to practice the first time after I was more or less healthy again, and I was on the court. I literally had hit like 10 minutes, and I was so exhausted, because all my fitness had left, and I felt like all the hard work I’ve been doing to that point was gone,” Scheerle said.

Little did she know this challenge would motivate her to keep pushing and growing the passion she still had for tennis.

“The love that I have for the sport made me like, I really want to play. I remember seeing the racket in my house, and I sometimes took a soft ball and I played against the window just so I can keep the feeling of it, and I was watching tennis a lot during that time,” Scheerle said.

Since her freshman year, college tennis has taught her even in an individual sport, victories and defeats are shared such as earning Second Team All-American in singles flight and finishing third with her team at the 2025 NJCAA tournament.

“I got mentally tougher. I’m also more of a team player now, because tennis is kind of an individual sport, but here at college, you win and lose as a team, even if I win my match and the others lose, or the other way, we still win and lose as a team. I also kind of saw how important tennis really is for me,” Scheerle said.

Those closest to Scheerle such as her teammate Alix Dol from Toulouse, France, has noticed the impact and energy she brings on and off the court.

“She brings fun and positive energy to the team outside of practice. She helps bring everyone together and makes people feel comfortable with each other,” Dol said. “She creates a relaxed atmosphere where there is no drama, and everyone can just enjoy being around the team.”

Looking ahead, Scheerle has received some Division I scholarship offers and plans to transfer next season. But what’s her long-term dream?

“I’d love to be playing ITF or WTA tournament. I’m just traveling around playing tournaments,” Scheerle said.

Through every setback, sacrifice and triumph, she has developed skills, resilience, and a love for the game that will stay with her for a lifetime.

“I want to show others that dedication and belief in yourself can take you far,” Scheerle said. “I hope I can motivate a lot of young players to just keep going and enjoy what they love, love what they enjoy.”