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The doctors discovered the scoliosis when Jared Pratt was 8.

Pratt wore a brace for three years, but surgery to fix the sideways curvature in his spine became inevitable.

Knowing college tennis was an eventual goal, Pratt decided to have the surgery in 2013 before he moved into the more competitive 16s and 18s divisions.

He was sidelined for nine months, and slowly worked his way back onto the court. He went from completely immobile to lightly hitting a few balls to winning tournament matches again.

“I came back and felt like I was playing just as good if not better,” Pratt said. “I think the biggest thing was getting used to not being able to generate as much kick on my serve as easily. I thought moving would be a little harder, but it didn't feel much different for me.”

Pratt's recovery didn't hinder his collegiate aspirations. After taking official visits to several schools, the blue chip senior decided to attend one near his former hometown.

Pratt has committed to Wisconsin, which is located only a few miles from where he grew up before moving to South Carolina at age 10.

“I started playing tennis there and obviously had a connection,” Pratt said. “I thought I could play right away my freshman year there and get in the lineup at least somewhere. I also didn't want a small school. I wanted a school with all the other major sports, and Wisconsin has all of that.”

Pratt's introduction to tennis came when he was only 2. His parents had started playing the sport and they would play together as a family.

Although Pratt enjoys the competition, the camaraderie is what kept him coming back for more.

“I made a ton of friends through tennis. I have by far more tennis friends than school friends,” said Pratt, a former competitive swimmer. “It is a big community sport and you see each other half the weekends throughout the year. The people keep bringing me back. I love to play and I love to win obviously. But it's more the community for me.”

Pratt has been working with his private coach, Chip Hand, for the last six years. Hand has helped Pratt improve his serve and foot speed, but some of Pratt's abilities can't be taught.

“He is very deceiving in what he can do and then you realize he can do everything. He doesn't come out very intimidating and then you see what he can do and you are like 'Holy crap.' I am amazed by him,” Hand said. “He comes up with shots you shouldn't be able to make.”

Pratt credits his versatility for much of his success.

“I don't have a designated game style. I can't just hit a big serve or a big forehand. I think I can adapt more to what my opponent is doing,” Pratt said. “I play a little different based on who I am playing. I really don't play any match the same way. I go out with a plan, but I feel better adapting to what my opponent does.”

Although Pratt returned to form following his surgery, he admits to being afraid the procedure would hinder his performance. His doctors assured him he could still play tennis, but the doubts still pervaded his mind.

Pratt received an unexpected boost from James Blake. The former professional star was hindered by scoliosis as a teenager and had to wear a back brace until he was 18. Blake called Pratt to provide encouragement.

“Talking to James was cool,” Pratt said. “He was very down to earth and said a lot of relatable things.”

Once Pratt began competing again after the long layoff, Hand noticed more of a mental difference in his game than anything physical.

“He got to grow up a bit and realized how much he loved tennis,” Hand said. “Being away for a year I think made it an even bigger priority of his. It made him even more interested in tennis and more focused to get better.”

Pratt attends Bishop England High School in Daniel Island, South Carolina. In 2015, he helped lead the boys tennis team to its first state title since 1997.

“I always preferred going to traditional school. I feel like I learn better and get more of a social experience,” said Pratt, who received a Nissan Rogue for his 18th birthday in September. “If it's just tennis than you are just socializing with other players and you are missing the other half.”

Along with playing tennis, Pratt has represented Bishop England at a math competition for Mu Alpha Theta, the school’s math club.

He scored a 1500 on his SAT on his first attempt. Pratt contemplated taking it again for an even higher score, but decided against it. His path of study at Wisconsin will likely require many rigorous courses.

“They have an incredible chemistry department and that is the main major I am looking at doing possibly,” Pratt said. “But I don't know exactly what I want to do with it yet. It's my favorite subject in school. I have always been a math person, so I would assume I would lean somewhere to that side.”

Given his appreciation for the bonds formed in tennis, it should be no surprise Pratt has enjoyed participating in Intersectionals and Zonals.

He expects the college tennis experience to be even better once he arrives back to where his tennis game first took root in Wisconsin.

“Being able to play singles like it's an individual sport but still being able to contribute to a team is really, really fun,” Pratt said. “I really got into those matches because your match means so much more than just for you. I love being able to support your team as well. I can't wait.”

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Countdown Continues

Julia Lilien thought she might be a swimmer or golfer until she discovered tennis. Now, she’s preparing to sign a letter of intent to play in college. Come back for that tomorrow, as Tennis Recruiting completes the Countdown to Signing Day series.

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About Rhiannon Potkey

Rhiannon Potkey is a veteran sportswriter with more than two decades of experience in journalism. Potkey has covered many sports at many levels and has a passion for finding great stories. Potkey has covered the U.S. Open, junior sectional and national events, college conference championships and Davis Cup matches. Potkey is currently Content Strategist for Tennis Recruiting. You can reach Rhiannon by email at rhiannon@tennisrecruiting.net.