Today we’d like to introduce you to Capri Joelle Artis.
Hi Capri Joelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story really started with tennis. I began playing at a young age, and over time, what started as something I enjoyed became something I wanted to take seriously. Tennis has taught me a lot about discipline, consistency, confidence, and learning how to keep going even when things don’t go my way. My goal is to continue developing as a player and ultimately play Division I tennis.
But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that being an athlete is about more than what happens on the court. Nutrition has become a really important part of my own training, and it made me think about how many young athletes may not have access to the food and resources they need to perform at their best.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Being a young athlete comes with a lot of challenges that people don’t always see. There are the obvious things like training, competing, losing matches, and trying to stay motivated, but there are also the financial and logistical challenges that come with playing competitive tennis. Tournaments, travel, equipment, coaching, training, and nutrition all add up, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices just to keep moving forward.
As I became more serious about tennis, I also became more aware of how important nutrition is to my performance. I started paying closer attention to what I was putting into my body, how I felt during training, and how much better I could perform when I was properly fueled. That made me start thinking about other young athletes.
I realized that access to proper nutrition isn’t the same for everyone. There are talented kids who work just as hard, who have the same dreams, but may not have consistent access to the food or resources they need to train and compete at their best. That really stayed with me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Right now, I see myself as more than just a tennis player. Tennis is at the center of what I do, but I’m also building a platform around what it means to be a young athlete.
I’m a competitive junior tennis player working toward my goal of playing Division I tennis, and I’m very focused on training, nutrition, and continuing to develop my game. At the same time, I’ve become passionate about using my platform to help other young athletes.
One of the things I’m most proud of is The Next Serve, a youth-focused initiative centered around nutrition and access to resources for young athletes. Through The Next Serve, we’re working to provide meal support, nutrition resources, and grants to help athletes who may not otherwise have access to those opportunities. My long-term vision is to grow it into something that can impact athletes across the country.
I’m also growing as a creator and learning how to work with brands that align with my journey. My partnership with Pong Bot is one example of that. I love that it brings together tennis, technology, and the future of athletic training.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m building while I’m still becoming. I’m not waiting until I’m a professional athlete or until I’ve reached every goal to start making an impact. I’m a teenager working toward my own dreams while trying to create opportunities for other kids who are working toward theirs.
What I’m most proud of is that The Next Serve has given my tennis journey a purpose beyond myself. I want to see how far I can take my own game, but I also want to look back one day and know that I helped other athletes get a little further in theirs.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I definitely didn’t get here by myself. There are so many people who have poured into me, encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in me along the way.
My mom, Desi, has played a huge role in helping me develop not only as a tennis player, but also in everything I’m building outside of tennis. She helps me with The Next Serve, nutrition, content, and bringing many of my ideas to life. She encourages me to think bigger and to use my platform to make a difference.
My dad, CJ, has been a huge part of my tennis journey. He has spent countless hours getting me to practices, tournaments, and different tennis opportunities and has supported me throughout the ups and downs of competing. Having parents who are willing to invest their time and energy into my goals has meant a lot to me.
My little brother Caleb is one of my biggest cheerleaders. He keeps me laughing and reminds me that there is more to life than tennis and competition.
My grandmother, Leila, has also been a constant source of love and encouragement. Having family who believes in me and reminds me of who I am outside of what I accomplish is really important.
I’m also grateful for all of my coaches. Every coach who has worked with me has contributed something to my development—not just as a tennis player, but as a person. Some have pushed me when I needed it, some have encouraged me when I was struggling, and all of them have taught me something that I carry with me.
I’m incredibly thankful for the brands that have chosen to support me as a young athlete, including Pong Bot, Wellious, and Orgain. Their support has given me opportunities to grow and connect with brands that align with my journey.
And then there is my community. Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra have supported my journey in such a big way. My neighbors, local families, businesses, and people throughout the community have shown up for me and for The Next Serve. Ace Hardware has consistently supported my fundraisers, and that kind of local support means so much.
I’ve even learned to appreciate the people who don’t believe in me. They may not realize it, but they have played a role too. Doubt has taught me to stay focused, work harder, and prove to myself what I’m capable of.
I’m grateful for every person who has been part of this journey—my family, coaches, sponsors, community, supporters, and even the people who have challenged me along the way. I know I’m standing on the support of a lot of people, and I don’t take that for granted.
Pricing:
- $10/month – Helps provide healthy snacks and nutrition resources for young athletes.
- $25/month – Supports meal assistance and athlete wellness initiatives.
- $50/month – Helps fund nutrition grants and meal support for youth athletes.
- $100/month – Sponsors expanded nutrition support and resources for athletes in need.
- Custom Donations Welcome – Every contribution helps young athletes access the nutrition and resources they need to train, compete, and succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.caprijoelle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenniss.goddess
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/caprijoelle
