Brick & Brew Sophomore Summer: Racquel Lyn

Throughout the summer, DartmouthSports.com will be focusing on members of the Class of 2020 who are currently in their "Sophomore Summers."

This installment features Racquel Lyn of the women's tennis team. Throughout the 2017-18 season, she had an overall record of 18-15 in singles and 4-3 against Ivy League opponents. Playing alongside Kristina Mathis at the No. 2 doubles, the pair had gone 19-14 and 4-1 against conference foes, ending the season on a four-match unbeaten streak.

DartmouthSports: What have you been doing during your sophomore summer?
Racquel Lyn: This summer, I am actually not taking classes! I am working at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) as a research assistant to one of the colorectal surgeons. The research project we are working on involves looking at patients with diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease/Crohn's Disease and rectal cancer and comparing how each patient was treated for their disease, whether it be with opioids/narcotics or surgically. In the end, our goal is to see what factors are associated with the greatest decrease in quality of life and bowel function following treatment.

DS: What was the recruiting process that sold you on Dartmouth?
RL: I think originally, I had no intention of applying to Dartmouth before taking my unofficial visit. I hadn't heard much about Dartmouth before visiting, only knowing that it was an Ivy League school. Ultimately, I think it was not only the communication with Coach Dallis, but also the team that sold me most on Dartmouth. Bob was great at responding to emails and answering any questions I had. I remember after playing a match in one of the junior tournaments, he emailed me right after asking me how I thought I played and what I could improve on for the next time. No other coach had done that, and I admired that he didn't care about whether I had won or lost, but the way I competed. The team was so friendly about reaching out to me if I had any questions and telling me about their experiences when they were being recruited. After taking my unofficial visit, I knew Dartmouth was going to be one of my top choices.

DS: If you could swap places with one teammate, who would it be and why?
RL: I think I would switch with Allison McCann, my best friend on the team. I admire how she brings her positive energy to our practices and our matches and always knows how to make me laugh. She is the most kind-hearted person I know, and I couldn't imagine our team without her.

DS: What are your post-Dartmouth plans?
RL: My post-Dartmouth plans include attending medical school. I'm hoping to return to Texas, but I wouldn't mind staying in the Northeast. I think I've always known I want to be a doctor, and this summer has made it even more clear that this is the career I want to pursue after college.

DS: Outside of sports, what are you most passionate about?
RL: Not many people know this, but I've actually been playing the piano since I was five-years-old. I used to compete in piano competitions up until my junior year of high school and started taking piano classes at Dartmouth my freshman spring. Also, this summer I joined the Ujima Dance group (UjiMelt) and it has been amazing meeting new people and learning new dance moves. I think I've always had a secret love for music, whether it be with dance or an instrument, because it makes me happy and provides an escape from school like tennis does.

DS: What is your favorite place on campus?
RL: My favorite spot on campus would probably be the Top of the Hop. It offers a great view of central campus and the Green, whether you are inside or outside! Also, I have found it to be a great place to study because it is usually pretty quiet and has comfy lounge chairs.

DS: If you participate in any service activities, what are they and how did you get involved?
RL: This summer, I've been volunteering at the Upper Valley Haven, a non-profit organization that shelters and provides food for homeless families. Once a week, I make and serve breakfast for families that come in and help stock the food shelves. During the school year, our team goes to David's House a few times a term and usually cooks dinner for the families that are staying there. It's been great to serve and spend time with the Upper Valley community.

DS: Other than your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life?
RL: My two older brothers. Both of them have so many achievements and accomplishments that I have always looked up to and admired. In fact, they are the reason that I picked up a tennis racquet in the first place. I have a pretty successful family, which can be a lot of pressure sometimes, but also motivates me to be the best that I can be.

DS: What has been your best on-court memory thus far in your Dartmouth career?
RL: This past year, we had the opportunity to play some of the top teams in the country, including Duke and Pepperdine. I remember when we played Duke in February, they were ranked No. 3 in the country at the time and my partner, Kristina, and I were set to play the lines 2 team. I remember telling myself to just have fun because they have more to lose than we do and to think of it as a time to work on my game. Ultimately, I think that ended up being the best match Kristina and I had played together as we were up, 5-2, in the set and almost won. Unfortunately, Duke had already clinched the doubles point before and we were forced to stop our match. It wasn't until after the match that I found out that the doubles team we played was ranked top 10 in the country. To be able to play, compete and almost win against a top team was one of my best on-court memories, and I think a big turning point in how I mentally approach my matches today. That match made me a better player and teammate, and more prepared for the next matches to come.

DS: You step outside tomorrow morning and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million (after taxes). What would you do with the money?
RL: Half of the money I would use to build water wells in third world countries that do not have accessibility to safe drinking water. I know that is a major issue in certain villages in the Middle East where they are all prone to contamination from the different lakes and water tanks they drink from currently. Another portion I would donate to homeless shelters in providing clothing, shelter, education and whatever else should be needed. I think that last portion I would put in savings or use on my addiction with shoes!

DS: What would be your best advice to your 15-year-old self?
RL: I would say to take every day one step at a time and to not stress over the little things. I think my biggest worry when I was 15 was wondering what the future held and living up to certain expectations. I would say now to just enjoy things as they come and to keep working hard to achieve my goals.

Schedules

Players Mentioned

Racquel Lyn

Kristina Mathis

Allison McCann

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Schedules

Upcoming Event: Women's Tennis at ITA New England Regionals on October 9, 2025

Upcoming Event: Women's Tennis at Ivy Invite on October 24, 2025

Upcoming Event: Women's Tennis versus Big Green Invite on November 7, 2025

Upcoming Event: Women's Tennis versus NCAA Tournament on November 18, 2025