Since her tender teenage years Bermuda tennis talent Caitlin Gordon has circled the globe pursuing the game she loves.

The Smith's-born youngster, who turns 17 next month, has enjoyed a long list of tournament successes and played on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit for two-and-a-half years, as well as competing in the Fed Cup and Island Games.

Whereas many her age would get carried away with such experiences, Gordon has her feet firmly planted and insists her education will always take priority over sporting prowess.

"I've had to give up a lot since I was 13 for tennis and I suppose I've missed out on a lot of things.

"But college is one thing I'm adamant I'll not miss though," insists Gordon who is interested in studying journalism.

"Tennis has given me some amazing experiences and I've seen plenty of Europe, the Caribbean and South America.

"When playing overseas you do tend to eat, sleep and breathe tennis, but I always try and see some culture of the place I'm staying."

For three years now Gordon has attended Saddlebrook Preparatory School — which specialises in tennis and golf — allowing her to devote four hours of her day to refining her game.

Such is the high standard of the training facilities at the Tampa-based complex, she regularly rubs shoulders with tennis stars Andy Roddick, the Bryan brothers (Mike and Bob), James Blake and Martina Hingis.

"Most of the professionals who train at Saddlebrook are really open and interact with the younger guys. They're happy to give you advice on and off the court," she says.

"It's inspiring to be around them but also intimidating. You see at first hand the sacrifices they make and just how hard they work — it's a tough job."

Positioned 1,120 out of more than 5,000 in the women's IFT rankings, Gordon has purposefully left the pro-circuit door open, although she is undecided on whether she will ever commit to a full-time tennis career.

"There's such a big talent pool out there," says Gordon who is in the top five in the Caribbean and the top ten in the Caribbean and South America.

"I'll be able to play collegiate tennis and still be able to take part in tournaments while I study. I've not ruled out going full-time but I want to keep my options open as I've a lot of interests outside tennis.

"Every year I sit down with my dad and we look at the tournament schedule, assess my school studies and training programme to see what events I can compete in. To be honest once we have finished I don't have time for much else."

Each year Gordon averages 12 tournaments around the world, costing around $2,500 for travel, accommodation, food, stringing, and sometimes the accompaniment of a coach. Her costs are covered mainly by family, whereas the top European players have expenses taken care of.

She recently competed in the Coca-Cola ITF Tournament in St Lucia, along with compatriot Naim Azhar, playing against some of the top junior players from the US, Germany, France, Hungary, Austria and throughout the Caribbean. Against stiff competition she reached the second round in the singles and progressed to the semi-finals in the doubles, teaming up with Trinidad's Carlista Mohammad.

"I sort of fell into tennis by accident as I went along to a coaching clinic with a friend when I was about five," she adds.

"I guess you could say it was love at first sight and whatever happens in the future I'll never stop playing."