How to Win and Lose with Grace (A Lenten Reflection)

Even if you’re not a tennis enthusiast, if you’re in social media in the past two weeks, a 19-year-old Filipina tennis player ranked #140 in the world must have popped up on your feed. In the slight chance she didn’t, all the more reason to read on.

It’s Thursday, March 27, at 10:30 p.m. PST, and I have exactly one hour to write this before it goes live tomorrow—or today, by the time you’re reading this. Why? This evening, I waited to see how fellow Filipina, Alex Eala, would handle one of the biggest moments of her career. Would she ride the momentum of her incredible Miami Open run to another historic victory? Or would she face defeat after a streak of hard-fought wins?

Either way, I knew this wasn’t just about tennis.

The Courage to Win

Imagine stepping onto the court against the #2 seed, knowing that an entire nation is watching—hoping, believing, waiting for you to put the Philippines on the map as a true contender in this elite sport. It would be the perfect moment to bask in the glory, to declare to the world how great you are—especially after defeating Iga Swiatek, the very same champion who once stood before you as the commencement speaker at your graduation from the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain.

Instead, Alex chose humility and gratitude saying, "I feel like I'm the exact same person as I was in that photo. But of course, circumstances have changed! I'm so happy and so blessed to be able to compete with such a player on this stage" (Baseline Staff, 2025, para. 5).

The Strength to Lose With Grace

I ate dinner—no results yet. I exercised—still no results. I even watched my favorite K-Drama, hoping that by the time I finished a couple of episodes, I’d see the news I was waiting for.

And then, it happened. My heart sank—Alex lost. 🥺

But here’s the thing—yes, she lost but no, she didn’t fail.

Because what defines a champion isn’t just how they win—it’s how they lose with grace.

As the match ended, Alex put her hands together, forming a heart for the crowd—a simple yet powerful gesture of gratitude. With the poise of a true athlete, she reflected:

"Of course, there is disappointment right after the match. But there are just so many times in tennis where you have to dig through the dirt to look for the positive, and I'm just enjoying because there is so much positive around me, and I don't know how many times that happens" (Naredo, 2025, para. 5-6).

Lenten Reminder

How do we truly lose with grace?

✔ Respect the game—honor the journey, your opponent, and every challenge that got you here.
✔ Find the lessons—setbacks aren’t failures; they’re stepping stones to growth.
✔ Stay grounded—in your values, your community, and the people who uplift you beyond the wins and losses.

Alex’s journey shows how winning is fleeting but a consistent courage to rise in every fall endures. And for that, I am still proud. Still grateful. And still inspired.

I hope when you experience failure, you feel the same way too.

Because sometimes, it takes a 19-year-old to remind us what it truly means to win—with grace and to lose—with grace.

Baseline Staff. (2025, March 27). Quote of the day: Alexandra Eala explains that reaction to beating Iga Swiatek. Tennis.com. https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/quote-of-the-day-alexandra-eala-explains-that-reaction-to-beating-iga-swiatek.

Naredo, C. B. (2025, March 28). Tennis: Dream run ends for Alex Eala with loss to Pegula in Miami Open semis. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2025/3/28/tennis-dream-run-ends-for-alex-eala-with-loss-to-pegula-in-miami-open-semis-1245.

Maria Soriano, M.E.d., SHRM-CP is a dynamic leader, storyteller, and advocate for courageous living. As the CEO & Founder of Courage Creatives, she is dedicated to helping people break through fear, find clarity, and take bold steps toward personal and professional growth. Within this brand, Maria also serves as a practical success and wellness coach and a sought-after host/emcee for community and corporate events, bringing energy, insight, and authenticity to every space she enters.

To compliment her creative side, Maria is a SHRM-certified HR pro and career matchmaker who started a white-glove boutique talent agency, GoodHire Recruitment, where she and her team connect organizations with top-tier talent and help people find purpose-driven careers.

With over a decade of experience in Higher Education, Maria also currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, shaping the next generation of educators and leaders. She extends her passion for storytelling as the host and producer of the Courageously Speaking Podcast, where she dives into real, unfiltered conversations on resilience, leadership, and personal transformation.

Beyond her professional roles, Maria is a singer-songwriter, using music as a powerful tool for inspiration and connection. She sometimes collaborates with her musician husband, blending their love for music into something deeply personal and uplifting.

At the heart of everything she does, Maria champions courage—helping others embrace uncertainty, take risks, and navigate challenges with confidence and authenticity.

Whether through coaching, teaching, speaking, or performing, Maria empowers people to step into their boldest, most fulfilled selves.

Need guidance on navigating both setbacks in life? Schedule your free 30-minute complimentary consultation with Courage Creatives founder, Maria Soriano, M.Ed., SHRM-CP.

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Till Next Time,

Stay Courageous