Courtside Conversations: Meet Emilie Lew

By: Alina Schwetz

In Newport Beach, tennis isn’t just a sport; it’s part of the culture. Courts are always full, tournaments are stacked with some of the area’s most talented players, and every match feels like a test. But the moments that have shaped Emilie Lew aren’t determined by the scoreboard; they’re the conversations after matches, the laughter with teammates, and most importantly, the time spent with family.

Emilie makes tennis look natural, but her success is rooted in years of discipline and commitment. After moving from Northern California to Newport Beach twelve years ago, she was searching for a passion she could fully dedicate herself to. From ballet to gymnastics to tennis, she experimented with different activities before realizing she couldn’t do everything at once. Eventually, she developed a love for tennis, and everything began to fall into place.

Southern California tennis quickly showed Emilie that she wasn’t the only driven athlete. In Southern California, competition is constant. USTA tournaments are mentally and physically intense, which causes most junior players to be nervous. But instead of backing down, Emilie learned to embrace the pressure. She developed composure in tight matches, especially in third-set situations, where her focus and mental strength matter most. Over time, those high-pressure moments became opportunities for growth rather than fear.

Her dedication helped Corona del Mar High School secure a CIF Division 1 title. For the past several years, she has competed at the highest level of high school tennis, earning recognition from all. Now, she is continuing her academic and athletic journey at Washington University in St. Louis, carrying forward the same discipline that shaped her in Newport Beach.

About Emilie Lew

Tennis has never been the only part of Emilie’s identity. Piano has been a constant commitment for over a decade, teaching her patience in a way that competition never could. While tennis improvement is often visible and physical, piano progress is quieter and more personal. Music has given her a creative outlet, a way to express emotion and reflect beyond the intensity of the court. Balancing tennis and piano has strengthened her time management and shown her that growth can be silent, in contrast to how it feels intense on the court.

Beyond her own achievements, Emilie values the relationships tennis has allowed her to build. Through mentoring younger teammates and adults in the community, to participating in Serving Advantage, an organization dedicated to making tennis more inclusive for youth and individuals with disabilities, she has learned that the sport is about more than individual success. It is about the connections you gain, rather than the competitions that are constant.

Spending quality time with the people she loves keeps her grounded. Tennis and piano can be demanding and individual pursuits, but the support of friends and family reminds her that who she is off the court matters just as much as what she accomplishes on it. For Emilie Lew, tennis may be part of the culture in Newport Beach, but balance and connection are what truly shape her legacy.