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NAPLES, Fla. - Leyton Billups wasn’t even officially in the draw and he was still just happy to be there.

The junior from Leesburg, Virginia was on the alternate list for the TRN College Showcase at the ITA Coaches Convention on Sunday at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.

Leyton Billups Participated in the TRN Showcase
© Contributed Photo

Billups arrived early in the morning to wait by the check-in desk in case someone pulled out. He just wanted the chance to get seen by college coaches and face quality competition.

Once he heard his name called, Billups was elated.

“I am just so thankful I got in,” Billups said. “I have been training for this since September when I heard about it. I have really been pushing, pushing, pushing to get better. I really wanted to be here and see what could happen.”

Billups flew from Virginia and stayed with his grandfather in nearby Fort Myers. The 6-foot-3 right-hander is extremely motivated to pursue his goal of playing college tennis.

“It would just feel like I made it in life to be the first in my family to play college sports,” Billups said. “I love sports, and I just want them to be a part of my life. I want to be on a team in college and get that experience.”

As nearly 150 college coaches from all divisions streamed down to the courts, 32 boys and 32 girls played on the green clay. They all received three rounds in a compass draw.

Billups, a one-star ranked No. 35 in Virginia, didn’t win a game in his first two matches before ending his day with a victory in his third match.

“The players here are just so good. They just dominate,” Billups said. “It really shows how much work they put into their style of play and their strategy. I really appreciate them destroying me I guess.”