Quotes from Katrina Adams

Anything with the title 'Breaking The Barriers' means a lot to us, and to myself in particular, because if it wasn't for those who broke the barrier of color before me, I would not have the opportunity to live the life I'm leading right now.

As a kid, I used to love going to the arcade. I used to tell my parents I was working on my hand-eye coordination. It was probably just a way to get more quarters from them.

I was the ultimate tomboy because my oldest brother used to always beat up on me and wrestle and make sure I was engaged in sports, because I was his excuse to be able to go hang out with his friends.

Everything that I do is with a purpose and intent of wanting to make a difference.

I was eighth in the world in doubles, 67th in singles. Could I have achieved more? Yes, perhaps, but I did it my way.

If you get into the main draw of a Grand Slam, then you've made your mark and proved that's where you belong.

I grew up in the USTA's junior circuit.

I was fortunate to have people like Althea Gibson come and speak to me, also Leslie Allen and Arthur Ashe. So I feel obligated, part of my duty, to continue to pass on the knowledge I've learned to youngsters and adults alike.

My parents have been unbelievable. Obviously, without them, I wouldn't be where I am.

Billie Jean King always was there for me as a role model. She always fought for equality, and that always stood out as I was coming up.

With Venus and Serena and their ascension - and you had a lot of kids that saw them and wanted to be like them - it's like any sport, any major athlete, like Michael Jordan in basketball: everybody wanted to be like Mike.

In college, you become truly independent; your discipline is honed. It has to be there for your studies. It helped make me who I am, and it increased my determination to be the best I could be.

It is difficult for our youth to want to be active when PE is taken out of our schools.

There were so many people who were instrumental in helping me get better. They say it takes a village, and the tennis community has been my village. That's why I've always felt that I have a responsibility to give back.

I was a player who was vying to do exactly what everyone else was doing, and I happened to be black.

Someone had to lend me a hand or two to pull me forward. I feel it's my duty to make sure I do the same.