Former Mustangs tennis star Bongart adjusting to life as a Vol

For average students, the transition from high school to college is pretty basic.

Ashley Bongart isn't your average student.

The Lakewood Ranch High School graduate and current University of Tennessee freshman tennis star is adjusting to life away from home, while claiming her territory at the collegiate level.

"At first it seemed like so much more," Bongart said. "Between practice and school it was a lot to handle, but I've been able to adjust and I'm OK now."

The 18-year-old admits she leans on her parents as much as she can for advice and to help with being homesick, even to the point where her peers take notice.

"I've called them every day since I left," Bongart said. "My roommate is always so shocked that I do it, but they are my support system and always there for me. Plus my dad was my coach so he helps me with the game too, not just personal life."

Bongart, who led the Mustangs to a state championship last spring as a senior, has been able to use that recent success and team play for preparation against some of the country's best players at the collegiate level.

"I've always loved competition. It motivates me," Bongart said. "I also love playing for my teammates. That's something that's always been important to me. Now it's just about finding who I am as a college player."

It's hard to imagine that someone with Bongart's resume could still be nervous before a match, but it's something she admits was the case before taking on national Champion Frances Altick of Vanderbilt.

"Oh, I was extremely nervous," Bongart said with a smile. "I played awesome against Altick though. I think it could have been all the adrenaline. I lost the third set tie-breaker

10-8, but it was a great way to start my career."

Bongart understands this season is about getting better and finding her way into the lineup, but she said she uses a plaque on the wall of the team's indoor facility to motivate her for where she aspires to be.

"It's a pretty cool thing the school does, they post the all-Americans on the wall and every day I walk by it I tell myself that's where I want to be," Bongart said.

Earlier this month, Bongart got an opportunity to play in front of her friends and family when Tennessee came to Manatee County to compete in the Dick Vitale Intercollegiate clay tennis tournament in Lakewood Ranch.

The annual three-day tournament is invite-only and helps raise money for pediatric cancer research.

"To be one of the four players asked to represent Tennessee was such an honor," Bongart said. "Being able to play in that atmosphere will be something I will always remember."

While Bongart is focused on her tennis career and hopes to one day turn professional, her passion for sports led her to choose communications as her major.

"It's always been an interest of mine growing up and I still want to be involved in sports even after my tennis career," Bongart said. "I'd prefer to cover football, but to be around sports in general is my goal."

This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 11:42 PM with the headline "Former Mustangs tennis star Bongart adjusting to life as a Vol ."