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Get Scouted Scouting CareersFirst, we watched John and Patrick McEnroe. Now, we enjoy Venus and Serena Williams. In the future, we could see Payton and Jordan Bradley.
The Bradley sisters, who recently enrolled with National Scouting Report, are ranked among the Top 10 high school tennis players in Pennsylvania. Payton, a junior, plays No. 1 singles for Downingtown West High School in suburban Philadelphia. Jordan, a freshman, plays No. 2 singles.
Both are accomplished USTA junior players with an eye on collegiate careers and, possibly, the professional ranks.
“Becoming a professional is like a dream,” said Payton, who recently turned 17. “I’m also realistic. It’s a one-in-a-million chance. My main goal is to become a top collegiate player.”
“I feel the same way,” said Jordan, who just turned 15. “I want to be a top college player.”
For now, the Bradleys are focused on high school tennis and high-level USTA regional, sectional and national tournaments.
“I want to win the [high school] state title,” said Payton, who qualified for states last year after winning her second consecutive Ches-Mont League No. 1 singles title and reaching the District One finals. “However, it’s very difficult. There are lots of high-level players. I think I can place this year and, hopefully, compete for the championship next year.”
“As a freshman, I would love to qualify for states,” Jordan said. “By my senior year, I want to challenge for the state title.”
Born into an athletic family, the Bradley sisters began playing tennis 11 years ago. Their father, Jack, was a football and baseball player at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. Their mother, Dawn, was a field hockey and basketball standout at Downingtown High School.
“Nobody in our family was into tennis,” Payton said. “My parents thought it would be a good sport for girls to play.”
NSR tennis scout Tim Irwin, head coach at nearby Coatesville High School, was the Bradleys’ first personal coach. Tim’s son, Joel, has coached them the last five years.
“They are the most dedicated kids I’ve ever worked with,” Tim said. “They are determined to succeed.”
Both girls gave up other sports – basketball, softball, field hockey and flag football – to focus on tennis. They practice at least 15-20 hours per week, as early as 5:30 a.m. and as late as 10:30 p.m.
“Your opponents are doing things you’re not,” Payton said. “You’ve got to do things your opponents aren’t doing. It gives you a sense of confidence.”
The Bradleys practice together every day. Although they root for each other, they have developed quite a sibling rivalry.
Who’s the better player?
“The younger one can beat the older one,” Jordan claimed.
“Eh, no,” Payton responded.
“Yes, I can,” Jordan said.
“No, you can’t,” Payton retorted.
Despite the rivalry, both are comfortable with their positions, No. 1 and No. 2, on the Downingtown West tennis team. Although Jordan could play No. 1 at many schools, there is no jealousy.
“I don’t mind being No. 2,” Jordan said. “My goal is to be No. 1 someday. Payton is the older sister. She deserves to be No. 1. She is better at No. 1 than I would be right now. I’m OK waiting my turn.”
The Bradley sisters are just as talented in the classroom as on the court. Payton boasts a 3.9 grade-point average. Jordan sported a similar GPA in middle school.
Both would like to use their tennis talents, along with their academic achievements, to gain admittance to top universities. Both would like to major in science – Kinesiology, anatomy or chemistry – with hopes of becoming athletic trainers.
The Bradleys hope NSR, with its 95 percent success rate, can open doors for them. They are very open-minded on colleges.
“Academics are really important,” Payton said. “But I also want to attend a school that has high-level tennis. I want to go somewhere where I’ll be able to play, not just be a hitting partner for a coach.”
“I’d like to go somewhere that’s really competitive,” Jordan said. “I don’t have to be the No. 1 player. I will work my way up the roster.”
Both players hope to receive lots of attention from college coaches.
“I’m looking for as many offers as possible,” Payton said. “I would prefer to play at a Division I school, but I would consider any school that wants me and is willing to offer me scholarship money. I’m hoping schools fight for me.”
“I want lots of offers, too,” Jordan said. “I want to find a school that wants me and one that I love when I visit. That’s what’s most important.”
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.
Both of these girls should be able to play division 1. Both have a tremendous work ethic.