Jillian O’Neill has Georgia on her mind

BY MICHAEL PIASETZKI

Since moving to the West Island from Halifax at the age of 13, Jillian O’Neill’s life has been anything but normal.

Blessed with tremendous talent in her chosen sport of tennis, the Beaconsfield resident has traversed the globe, playing in — and capturing — national and International Tennis Federation junior tournaments. Last year, having accomplished all she could as a junior, she took advantage of a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) option that allowed her to play in pro tournaments but remain classified as an amateur. All the while, she managed to juggle her studies at John Rennie High School in Pointe Claire.

Last month, feeling the need to slow down somewhat and to not only grow as a person but to lead a more normal life, O’Neill, a nine-time Canadian national junior champion, signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Georgia. She leaves in August for Athens, Ga.

“I just didn’t think continuing on the professional tour was right for me at this time in my life,” said the 18-year-old O’Neill, who captured a doubles title a year ago alongside Ashley Weinhold of the United States at the $10,000 Houston, Texas Challenger. “I’ve dedicated my whole life to tennis, and it’s been hard at times, particularly on my social life. Going to university will offer me a more stable environment, and I believe I’ll be happier. The tennis and competition will be strong as well, and I believe I’ll learn a lot. You play so many matches over the course of the season.”

O’Neill said she chose the University of Georgia for two reasons. First, she’ll live in shared apartments with her teammates instead of traditional dormitories, and secondly, Bulldogs head coach Jeff Wallace reminds her of her current coach, Martin Simon.

“He (Wallace) is quite laid back, much like Martin,” O’Neill said. “Anyone who knows me will admit I don’t relate well to aggressive coaches who yell and scream. That just won’t work with me.”?