Annabelle Thomas: My Season with INTENNSE
Annabelle Thomas
4 MINS | Published on 11/11/25
A New Chapter
At the start of the 2025 when I first heard about the launch of the INTENNSE Tennis League, I knew right away that I wanted to be part of it. Representing Team Jacksonville was truly special, it’s the city where I spent most of my college years, earned my undergraduate degree, met my husband, and the place I now proudly call home. Last summer was about so much more than just tennis. It gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, grow in a unique environment, and create unforgettable memories.
Tennis, Turned Up
Competing in the INTENNSE arena was nothing like the quiet, traditional environments I was used to. Every point was fueled by music, lights, and nonstop action. With the one-serve rule, fast-paced scoring, and live substitutions, each moment mattered. Over the summer, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions unlike anything else in my career, and my passion for the mental side of the sport grew even deeper. I learned how to stay present, adapt when the outcome didn’t go my way, and maintain perspective on the bigger picture. At times, the format felt overwhelming, with high physical intensity, constant adrenaline, and the pressure to perform for my teammates. But in the end, that’s exactly what made it INTENNSE.
Redefining the Journey
Tennis can be such an isolating sport. On the regular tours, schedules are always changing, costs add up quickly, and you’re often traveling from city to city completely on your own. The INTENNSE League was completely the opposite. All of our matches were planned in advance, plus expenses such as travel and accommodation were covered, which enabled us to enjoy the experience. In addition, my family and friends could watch with professional-quality streaming and commentary, which is usually only available for the top athletes in the world. For young players like me, this kind of support is life-changing.
Team Jacksonville
One of the greatest aspects of this season was getting to compete not just as an individual, but as part of Team Jacksonville under the guidance of Claudio Pistolesi, a former top-100 player and world-class coach. On court, we learned from his technical and tactical expertise, and he encouraged us to play with courage and focus on our strengths in the big moments. Off court, Claudio reminded us that the character, values, and culture we were building within INTENNSE mattered far more than the results. That perspective united us as a team and created connections that will last a lifetime.
The Mental Edge
As a graduate student in Applied Health Psychology, this season showed me just how crucial the mental side of sport really is. Everything I’ve been learning came to life in the INTENNSE format, where I had to adapt quickly and reset after tough setbacks. Success wasn’t always about having the biggest shots, it was about who could manage stress, stay composed, and thrive under pressure. This experience has strengthened my mission to support the holistic well-being of athletes, helping them grow not only in their sport but also as people.
Changing the Sport for Women
Another amazing part of this league was its commitment to equality for female athletes. Walking onto the court with equal coverage, prize money, and respect was empowering, and an inspiring message to the next generation of female athletes that their dreams are worth chasing. At the same time, it was a reminder that inequities still exist across professional sports, which makes INTENNSE a powerful example of the standard the industry should be striving toward.
Growing Together
Being part of the inaugural season meant embracing both excitement and uncertainty. With only three teams, we faced the same opponents again and again, and bouncing back from tough losses wasn’t always easy. We had to adjust to a different format, being based in one location, and the inevitable changes that come with starting something new. Through it all, what mattered most was how everyone came together to bring the vision to life and lay the foundation for seasons to come.
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For the Sport
Looking back, I’m grateful for my teammates, coaches, family, friends, and the entire community that made this league possible. INTENNSE is creating a sustainable pathway for athletes to develop valuable life skills, and keep competing at a high level while also being part of something greater than themselves. This season made me stronger as a competitor, better as a person, and more excited about the future of tennis than ever before. And this is only the beginning.
INTENNSE is expanding from thre teams to 10 in 2026. All teams will be based in the Atlanta area. Applicants interested in joining the league for the 2026 season must register by January 31, 2026. [Register Here]
