Tennis Player Deirdre Cienki Aces College In 3 Years

Some people know how to focus so intently that they can finish college in three years, while playing tennis for their university, after finishing high school in three years. Some people, but not many. Deirdre Cienki, who grew up in East Greenwich, is one.

Cienki, 21, attended East Greenwich schools until high school, when her parents (Sue and Paul Cienki) allowed her to move to Florida to attend Saddlebrook Preparatory School, which caters to young tennis players and golfers.

“My experience in Florida was incredible and I am so thankful my parents gave me the opportunity to leave home and pursue my dreams. … Attending Saddlebrook is the reason I was able to play tennis at one of the top programs in the country,” said Cienki, referring to the tennis team at Arizona State University, where she earned her degree.

“It was hard work,” she said of her high school years. “I put in long hours on and off the court. I was waking up before sunrise every morning and going to bed early in order to prepare for the next day. I learned a lot about independence and hard work.”

Cienki finished early, then traveled to play tennis.

“When I started college, I fully intended on taking my full four years to graduate,” she said. But after a year and a half she realized she was ahead of schedule. She credited her high school years for teaching her how to manage her time. And, she said, “the athletic department at Arizona State is amazing in terms of the support and advice they give us about handling our academics and our sport. I am so thankful I had tennis because it kept my schedule very structured.”

Cienki graduated in May with a BA in English and Communications. She was named to the 2011 Pac-10 Conference Women’s Tennis All-Academic Team.

“I am pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. Right now I’m working for Major League Baseball and preparing for the All-Star Game in Phoenix,” she said.

“I played a few pro-circuit tournaments as an amateur before college but due to injuries, I am going to focus on my career off the court now that I have graduated. Tennis will always be a big part of my life but I’m ready to pursue other avenues.”