For many professional athletes, developing a life outside of their sport can be difficult. After years of being at the top of their game, they find themselves unable to reproduce the competitive edge that they experienced on the court or field. Malibu resident Amy Alcini, on the other hand, has had little trouble combining continuing success in sports with new victories in the outside world.
After a stellar tennis college career at Indiana and Florida, Alcini competed professionally on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour. A 10-year Malibu resident, Alcini has now made a name for herself in real estate, closing more than $75 million in sales as director of sales for the Westside Estate Agency. Nevertheless, Alcini has not allowed her new title of Realtor to get in the way of her distinguished tennis career.
Alcini, 41, currently competes on the United States Tennis Association (USTA) tournament circuit, and holds eight National USTA tennis titles. She ranks No. 1 in the nation and No. 2 in the world for USTA Women’s 40 Singles and No. 2 in the nation for Women’s 40 Doubles. Her success has earned her a spot in the upcoming Young Cup, where she will captain the American team. The Young Cup brings together the best female tennis players in the world, ages 35-55, and this year is taking place in Mexico City from March 29- April 3.
Alcini took time out from her training and sales activities to talk to The Malibu Times about life, on and off the court.
What first drew you to tennis?
My mom [was] picking me up from a swim practice, and [we drove] past the Lansing Tennis Club with a huge, white banner in front of it advertising kids’ summer tennis camp. She turned to me and said, “Amy, do you want to try tennis camp?” Having never picked up a racquet before, I figured I had nothing to lose.
Who were your tennis role models growing up?
To me, Steffi Graf represents someone who employed laser-like focus and determination in every match I saw her play, regardless of her opponent’s level or skill. She was unstoppable in a very strong and quiet kind of way. Now, as witnessed last [week at a charity tennis tournament benefiting Haiti], she is still an amazing tennis player and in a blessed position in her life to be able to give back in the most important kind of ways.
What means more to you, winning a match or closing a sale?
[They are] totally different. Winning a tennis match has huge meaning for me. Closing a sale means I am helping someone’s dream come true, or possibly just being there for them around a difficult time in which it is necessary to sell their home. Both are very important to me.
What do you think about athletes such as swimmer Dana Torres who are competing into their forties?
I think it is mostly in your mind, what you choose to achieve and how long you choose to achieve it. Amazing 40-something athletes have demonstrated this to us through their perseverance, skill and mind set. This [is the] most valuable lesson we can learn at any age.
What is your current training regimen?
On the court or in the gym by 8 a.m.; training for four hours on and off the court. At the gym I do a tennis specific weight lifting program with my trainer, and pay close attention to a nutritious diet, recovery and time for rest.
How did it feel to be named captain of the Young Cup tennis team?
Having competed for about 10 years now on the Senior USTA Women’s Tour, I feel honored to have this responsibility, one I know must be earned.
What does it mean to you to be representing your country abroad?
This is a high honor and a great opportunity to share, representing the United States of America. This being my third World Cup appearance for the USA, I keep in mind that with any and all interactions it is not only I who I represent. It is for all nations to see how [Americans] handle ourselves through our success and adversities while always displaying a healthy level of respect and goodwill toward all other nations.
What do you think about your chances in the tournament?
We’re gonna win!