Rachel Stuhlmann has found a unique niche in the tennis world, and she's running with it. A St. Louis native who once had dreams of playing professionally, Stuhlmann has pivoted from the court to the media spotlight, becoming one of the sport's most influential figures, especially in the realm of social media.
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Who would've guessed?
Her journey into this role started with the kind of solid foundation you'd expect from someone who played at a high level. She was ranked among the top 100 nationally in high school and went on to have a successful college career at the University of Missouri, where she was a standout in the Big 12.
After deciding not to pursue professional tennis, she turned her attention to coaching but soon realized that her passion for the sport could take her in a different direction.
(Rachel Stuhlmann/X)
It wasn't long before Stuhlmann began to build a personal brand centered around her love for tennis and her sense of style. She took a different approach, blending fashion, sports commentary, and personal flair, and it's resonated with an audience that now follows her on Instagram (317,000 strong) and TikTok (59,000 followers).
She's often compared to Paige Spiranac, the popular golf influencer, but Stuhlmann's authenticity has been key to her rise.
"I wanted to start sharing that with my followers," she said about her decision to post more personal content. And that's exactly what she's done, using her platform not only to highlight the sport but to make it more approachable. "My goal has always been to make tennis more mainstream, relatable, and accessible," she adds.
She's seeing the results. Stuhlmann shares that she regularly receives messages from people who've been inspired by her to take up tennis. Hearing those stories, she says, is what truly makes her job rewarding. It's proof that tennis isn't just for the pros—it's for anyone willing to pick up a racket and give it a try.
(Rachel Stuhlmann/X)
