When Tayah Cross steps onto a tennis court today, it’s purely for the love of the game. A few years ago, she was battling opponents at NCAA Division I level, representing the University of North Carolina at Greensboro while completing her degree. Fast forward to now, and Tayah is a practising physiotherapist on the Gold Coast, channelling the lessons from her athletic journey into her professional life.

We sat down with Tayah to talk about her college experience, the challenges she faced during recruitment, and how the US pathway shaped her into the person she is today.

Tayah, what are you up to these days?

I’m working in a private practice in Southport and doing some hospital shifts on weekends. I treat a mix of patients – everything from post-op rehab to young athletes. I still play tennis socially, but not competitively anymore.

How has your tennis background influenced you as a physio?

It’s been invaluable. Having played through injuries, I can relate to my patients and understand their mindset. When they hear about my background, it builds trust. Plus, I bring that athlete’s perspective to exercise prescription and rehab.

Many young athletes dream of being a Physio. How did your US college experience help you get there?

Honestly, I never set out to be a physio. I went to the US with no clear career plan. The beauty of the American system is its flexibility – you get two years to explore different subjects. I started with business, tried French, dabbled in economics, and eventually discovered my passion through sports science classes.

I majored in kinesiology, minored in French, and later returned to Australia to complete my Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University. Along the way, I even did a placement at Stanford University working with student-athletes – an incredible experience!

That’s an amazing journey. Let’s rewind to when you were being recruited. How did you feel during that process?

Stressed! I was juggling Year 12, tournaments, SATs, and dealing with a wrist injury. Another agency had told me I wouldn’t make Division I or get a full scholarship because of my UTR (Universal Tennis Rating). I was devastated.

Then I met Chris at a tournament, and everything changed. Study & Play USA looked beyond just my ranking – they saw my work ethic, academics, and character. That holistic approach made all the difference.

UTR can be a big stress point for tennis families. What was your experience with it?

I was definitely a “UTR checker” – constantly refreshing my rating. It’s easy to get caught up in it, but once I got to college, it mattered less. Team line-ups weren’t based on UTR but on performance in practice matches and overall contribution. That was a huge relief.

What were the highlights of your four years in college tennis?

The friendships! My teammates are still some of my closest friends, and I’ll be going to their weddings in the coming years. I’ll never forget clinching a doubles match with my roommate – the celebrations were incredible. Traveling across the US, from Colorado to Florida, was another bonus.

You mentioned earlier you realised halfway through college you weren’t going to pursue pro tennis. What changed?

It was a combination of factors – the level of competition, injuries, and discovering my passion for physiotherapy. College gave me the space to grow as a person, find my career path, and still compete at a high level. By my junior year, I felt comfortable letting tennis become part of my life rather than my entire identity.

What advice would you give young athletes considering the US college pathway?

Do it! It’s the best of both worlds – you play the sport you love at a high level while earning a degree and setting up your future. Yes, it’s stressful, and yes, there will be setbacks, but it’s worth it. Don’t compare yourself to others – your journey is unique.

Most importantly, choose a college that’s the right fit for you, not just the one with the biggest name or scholarship offer.

Final question. How do you think you’ve changed as a person because of this experience?

I grew so much – in confidence, independence, and resilience. Moving overseas, adapting to a new culture, and balancing academics and sport forced me to mature quickly. The US pathway gave me skills I use every day as a physio and as a person.

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Tayah’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when you take a chance on yourself. From a teenager uncertain about her future to a professional thriving in her career, her story shows that the US college experience is about so much more than sport. It’s about growth, opportunity, and discovering who you are beyond the game.