HighFIVE: Nico Jamison
It’s been said that the apple doesn’t fall from the tree, and in the case of 5-star recruit, Nico Jamison (Nicholas Jamison III), the tennis ball doesn’t fall far from the family tennis tree.
Well-known in tennis circles for his competitive AND courteous nature, the 15-year-old, who attends Frontier Academy in Greeley (which doesn’t have a tennis team), will most likely play for Greeley West High School. Nico’s father, Nicholas Jamison II, also played there and won a state title.
Nico finished 4th in singles and won doubles at the Intermountain Sectional Level 3 that was in Denver in June. He has competed strongly in a number of national events, collecting dozens of wins and numerous podium finishes (top-6). He was also the 2018 USTA Colorado Boys Sportsmanship Award Winner.
Having tried many sports as a younger child, including hockey, baseball and soccer, Nico said tennis was the only sport he had a true interest in.
Describing himself as a stronger doubles player than singles player, his appreciation for the camaraderie and friendship side of tennis comes through clearly when asked about where it comes from in him to be so competitive, while also being recognized for his strong sportsmanship.
“It comes from being able to know when you are on the court it’s time to compete”, he said. “Be a humble winner- it’s your time to shine, your time to find a way to win. But off the court it’s time to be friends with other players.”
Nico lights up when talking about his tennis friends including but not limited to Lawrence Li, (his frequent doubles partner), Andy Schuiling , Valerie Negin, Hardy Owen, Caden Hasler, and Adam Kartzinel. He also appreciates the hard work and commitment of coaches, Austin Mayo and Jack Newman.
In fact his favorite moment ever on the court came last year at the quarter finals of winter nationals winning an extremely tight match doubles match with Li, closing it out with a serve and put away volley.
“That was a great moment for both of us,” Nico said.
Planting the sportsmanship seed early in his life, mother Jennifer Jamison, who came from a dance background taught Nico to “respect the court, respect your equipment and most of all, respect the opportunity you’ve been given to play the game.”
“Nico loved working really hard,” she said. “He had the drive and the self-motivation to allow us to support him in his goals.”
Supporting him meant committing as a family to the time, tournaments, and coaches needed to get to the next level.
Entering into his freshman year of high school, Nico relays a maturity beyond his years, talking about why some players have poor sportsmanship.
“I think that can happen when the desire to win in tennis is just too big,” he said. In that case, there are probably better options for you.”
He also explains that it’s not just what you do on the tennis court that helps get you to the next level.
“The results do not just appear. The results appear after weeks, months, and sometimes years of hard work on and off the court, Nico said.
