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Natalie Whalen first picked up a tennis racquet at the age of four during a summer vacation to Florida. It wasn't long before people took notice of her smooth strokes, some even calling her the next Maria Sharapova. But it was good, old-fashioned sibling rivalry that really pushed her to improve. She still remembers beating her brother Nick for the first time. She was in fifth grade; he was three years older.

"We were at Midtown Tennis Center, and he started crying," she said of the milestone victory. "I was pretty happy with myself."

Under the guidance of coach Kamau Murray, Whalen developed an aggressive game that includes plenty of net play, much like another one of his students: former junior No. 1 Taylor Townsend.

"Kamau always tells me not to hesitate," Whalen said. "I'm one of those people who will doubt myself as far as coming into the net or setting up points. He's really positive about my style, and always reminds me to play my game."

That's not the only good coaching advice she has received. Tennis legend Billie Jean King made a visit to Whalen's native Chicago this spring. The 17-year-old spent time on the court with King, seizing the opportunity to talk with one of the most influential figures in tennis history.

"She told me even if you practice something for a week, you shouldn't expect any progress," Whalen explained. "You need to practice for one or two years until you really perfect it."

Solid coaching and a self-described "stubborn" personality have elevated Whalen to Five-Star recruit status and a No. 2 singles ranking in Illinois. She has had significant success on the doubles court as well, thanks to a long-term partnership with fellow Chicagoan Anne Marie Emme. Though that tennis resume afforded Whalen a wide variety of college options, she didn't have any particular schools in mind as she kicked off the recruiting process. But she did have one key requirement.