SHS Focus Questionnaire - Varsity Tennis
- Junior Editor: Gracie Gilchriest
- May 26, 2017
- 5 min read
Jacob Fisher
Senior
Why did you join tennis?
It's fun and my friends play
How long have you played tennis?
6 years
What are your hopes for this year? How have you improved since you started?
Just have fun. I improved everything.
What have you learned from tennis (in the sport and life skills)?
You need to take advice to be better
Think about the people you’ve met through tennis: coaches, students, fans, players. Who has influenced you the most? Why?
Probably my doubles partner since we have partners all throughout high school
Who’s your biggest supporter(s)?
Parent and Coach Fletcher
What are your accomplishments in tennis? (Personal and awards.)
3 time district champ boys doubles
What’s your favorite part of being a tennis player?
Making memories
What are some of your biggest strengths? Weaknesses?
Net play got better. Approach shots need work.
How do you prepare for the games?
Practice and get good rest
Reece Smithhart,
Senior
Why did you join tennis?
In 6th grade a couple good friends of mine decided we should participate in a sport, and tennis was a sport my father had played in high school and he claimed it was a lot of fun. I gave it a shot, joining with Ben Adams and Jacob Fisher and we ended up having tons of fun.
How long have you played tennis?
I have played since the summer of 6th grade, and it is now the summer of my 12th grade year, so I have played tennis for six years.
What are your hopes for this year? How have you improved since you started?
This past year I had hoped to make it to regionals, but I was beat out in a really good match and took third place at district. I sure hope I've improved since I've started...haha, but yes, I've gone from not knowing how to properly hold a racket to being the third best singles played in our district, and I'm proud I can say that I went that far.
What have you learned from tennis (in the sport and life skills)?
Tennis is a team sport at heart, and by attending practice and getting up early in the mornings for tournaments, our team formed a bond. I made friends with a couple of people I never thought I would, and was able to support and cheer for my team just as well as they would support and cheer for me when it came time to go out there to tournaments and play for the school. Tournaments are so much fun, and the best part about playing the sport, getting out of school several Fridays in a row is not only like a bunch of little field trips, but also time for the team to learn more about each other and for stronger bonds.
Think about the people you’ve met through tennis: coaches, students, fans, players. Who has influenced you the most? Why?
I joined tennis at the same time as my best friend, Ben Adams. We've learned together, and played against each other when we were both awful at the sport all the way up until now as we win district medals. We have learned tips from each other, and formed a stronger friendship through the time we have spent playing tennis together, and I am honored to have played with him all these years, and been so close to him as well.
Who’s your biggest supporter(s)?
I have two. My own father is my first, training me to play initially helped tremendously and set me up for greatness in my future tennis career, this combined with his attendance to my tournaments helped me have a goal out on the court, not only was I playing for myself and my team, but also for my father. My second would be Ben Adams father, Charlie Adams. Mr. Charlie trained with me several times and offered to practice with me whenever I needed to, and would attend several of our tournaments bringing hot chocolate to us in the winter, and subway to us in the spring. He was like the team dad, even one time writing us all personal letters after a season to tell us what we can improve on, and what we did greatly. For that we were all very thankful to him.
What are your accomplishments in tennis? (Personal and awards.)
My freshmen year, Jamie Mather and I won the Boys Doubles Junior Varsity District tournament. My sophomore year, I earned fourth place in Boys Singles at Varsity District. My junior year, I earned fourth place in Boys Singles at Varsity District. My senior year, I earned third place in Boys Singles at Varsity District, earning a spot as the alternate for our Region.
What’s your favorite part of being a tennis player?
Tennis has such a diverse community, if you went to tournaments you would see what I mean. There are nerds, jocks, nice guys, mean guys, cool guys, tall guys, short guys, big guys, and small guys and all the same for the ladies too. Every high school stereotype can be spotted at a tournament, and I love it. Leaving school early Friday mornings in the Spring and going to take wins for our team, listening to my teammates cheer for me from the stands when I win a point, and chatting with my buddies that I have made from other school districts will be one of the things I miss most about high school, and my favorite part of being a tennis player.
What are some of your biggest strengths? Weaknesses?
I'm not known for having a normal style of playing for tennis. I don't necessarily hit the ball hard, or have great placement, people just describe their matches against me as playing against a wall. I get just about every ball back, I am very consistent, and I'd like to think I have the best serve on the team as well. I consider myself a team captain, and don't mind at all running drills or helping on the junior varsity on the other side of the courts, because we've all been there at some point.
How do you prepare for the games?
I have a Rocky Balboa scene and sprint up the hill of the high school with both my fists in the air. No but really, carbohydrates the night before a games help a lot the next morning, eat some pasta for dinner the night before a game. Always always ALWAYS wear two pairs of socks, lest your feet be covered in a plague of blistering pain. On cold tournaments, wear layers, and by that I mean an undershirt, a t-shirt, with a jacket on top, and on the bottom wear some short with wind/athletic pants on top. I always wore a beanie because my girlfriend thought I looked cute in one... so if that's your thing then go for it. Drink a full glass of water the night before a game, the morning of the game about an hour before you play, and then sip on water AND Gatorade the rest of the day religiously. The last and most important tip, seriously have fun, as cliche as it is, have fun. Tennis was the funnest thing I ever did in high school and Coach Fletcher does a fantastic job at making practice enjoyable, and all you have to do is be a good listener and be friendly to the rest of the team and your experience WILL be enjoyable, no matter your skill level.
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