Scratching the Surface - by Danielle Mills Walden (Paperback)

About the Book

Danielle Mills Walden began tennis at three, became Western New York's #1 at ten, and trained at IMG Academy. Through grueling wins, losses, injuries, and pressure, she chased excellence-and found true victory within.

Book Synopsis

Danielle Mills Walden's journey to becoming a professional tennis player started when she was three years old.

By the age of ten, she was the #1-ranked player in her age group in the Western New York Region. At age eleven, she was admitted to IMG Academy, the prestigious sports boarding school known for turning out champions.

The next twelve years took Danielle through a world of intense sports training and competition, reveling in glorious wins and suffering demoralizing defeats, while striving to live up to her parents' high expectations. Plagued by criticism and injuries, Danielle refused to abandon her dream of becoming an elite player.

Scratching the Surface reveals the physical, mental, and emotional demands of chasing excellence. It's a must-read for anyone striving to be elite, written by a woman who reached for the stars and discovered them--not in tournaments and trophies, but within herself.

Review Quotes

"Danielle embodies the mindset, actions, and attitude of a true champion. Her journey, shaped by experience and exposure at the highest levels, has produced a rare blend of precision, performance, and poise."

--John Williams, founder and Chief Clarity Coach, Elevate with Jon, former Coach of Taylor Townsend, World Number 1 Doubles Player, Two-Time Grand Slam Champion.

"Danielle's journey was more than just a young girl chasing her professional tennis dream at the academy. She was a story of grit, endurance, and steadiness. Her commitment opened doors that talent alone never could. Today, she serves as a role model for the IMG Academy Girls Tennis program, inspiring young female athletes to pursue their goals with the same determination and heart that defined her own path."

--Margie Zesinger, IMG Academy Technical Director Women's Tennis.

"I've known Danielle since we were kids, and she's never stopped pushing. This memoir captures the same fire and focus she's always had."

--Donald Young, Two-Time Grand Slam Finalist, former World Top 40, former World Number 1 Junior.