Athletes reach the highest level by not only competing at the highest level, but also preparing the same way. That means doing all the extra things and training just as hard in the offseason as during the season.

This is one of the things that makes being a freshman athlete in college so difficult. Older players have the luxury of having been with the team and learned the system; freshmen are essentially starting from scratch.

Now, imagine a freshman arriving on a brand new campus in a new country with just over a week to prepare for the upcoming season.

So was the case for OU freshman tennis player Abbi Melrose when she arrived in Norman from Brighton, England just over two and a half weeks ago.

Among balancing the work load of college, adjusting to a new culture and competing with the No. 25 tennis team in the nation, the newest Sooner has not even had time to feel homesick.

“I’ve never been lonely here because I’m always so busy,” Melrose said. “Just dealing with all of the schoolwork and still having tennis really consumes most of my time.”

One of the biggest adjustments since starting college, Melrose said, is the amount of schoolwork she is required to keep up with. One thing not new to her, though, is playing tennis at the highest level.

In England, Melrose played in four International Tennis Federation semifinals, three quarterfinals and one final. She has proven that she has the skills to compete with just about anyone. Now, she needs to prove that she can compete with a team.

“As most tennis players are, they’re used to playing for themselves,” coach David Mullins said. “And now (Abbi’s) playing for a team. You never know how they’ll react to that.”

Melrose reached the top of her game in Britain by focusing on her game. She was not bothered about keeping up with overall team scores or developing chemistry with a doubles partner. It was plain and simple. Step out on the court and compete.

However, just over a week after arriving in America, Melrose was thrown right into the fire with a double-header against Drake and Arkansas-Little Rock. She responded.

Melrose and sophomore Mia Lancaster quickly disposed of their competition, winning both matches, 8-2. Lancaster acknowledges that though the duo experienced early season success, it will take time to reach their peak.

“It just takes some time, but the more matches we play, the better we’re getting and the more we know each other,” Lancaster said. “I think in singles when it’s all on me, I can relax more and feel like if I mess up it’s not as big of a deal. In doubles, you have a teammate relying on you.”

Before arriving at OU, Melrose did not play doubles and admits that she had no desire to. She liked the idea of everything being on her. No pressure to let down a teammate, no need to anticipate how a teammate was going to react to a serve.

Now, though, she is slowly beginning to appreciate the team aspect of the sport.

“The importance of it (has changed,)” Melrose said. “It didn’t matter to me before, but here (doubles matches) are a lot more important because that’s points going toward our team total. I didn’t enjoy doubles until I got here, but I am definitely enjoying it now.”

Everything has not gone her way since arriving on campus. Just Friday, Melrose lost a match by just two points that would have given the Sooners a victory. It will be just one of many setbacks for the freshman as she tries to adjust.

Her coach has been in her shoes before and says his newest player is progressing faster than he hoped.

“I came in 1998 from Ireland and was in a similar position,” Mullins said. “I didn’t start playing my best tennis until three months into the semester. She’s adapted faster than I have, honestly.”

With numerous accolades and accomplishments from her time playing in Britain, there is plenty for Melrose’ coaches and teammates to get excited about.

The thing that excites her new head coach the most, though, is her legitimate passion for her new role.

“Abbi’s still kind of wide-eyed and soaking it all in right now,” Mullins said. “We really want to keep that enthusiasm alive in her.”

As for the freshman’s recent loss, Mullins is less disappointed about it than one might expect.

As the coach points out, losing is a huge part of the learning process.

“That’s the kind of experience that you can’t get on the practice court,” he said. “We just need to keep putting her in positions like that.”

Melrose realizes she has a long way to go to reach the top. Her personal goals have not wavered, though. She still wants to crack the national rankings like she did back home in Britain. Since becoming a Sooner, she has added new goals, though.

“I’d like to have a national college ranking,” Melrose said. “But, team-wise, our goal is to get to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA’s.”

“Our” goal. It is a new concept for Abbi Melrose in regards to the sport she loves. So far, though, it seems to be one she is embracing.