More than just a Tennis Shoppe
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP for 2010 has been awarded to the following recipients.
Boys' First Place
Kyle Harris - Galena High School
". . . Playing tennis has become a passion of mine and benefited me in many ways. With an innate desire to compete, the one-on-one intensity of the sport drove me to work hard and to challenge myself. This desire to get in shape and improve my game taught me an important lesson in life, that being, that discipline and work ethic is required to succeed. . . . Making friends all across Reno, competing in tournaments, and learning important life lessons, playing tennis has impacted my life more than I ever could have imagined. I know tennis is a sport that will never leave me and I plan on playing it for the rest of my life."
Boys' Second Place
Tsunami 'Tom' Harder - Wooster High School
". . . the game of tennis has opened new opportunities for me and my high school career. It has given me great pleasure to play the game whenever I step on to the court. The swinging of the racket, the spit second slice, and the satisfaction of winning a match are experiences I truly love. It's these same experiences that I will always treasure from this sport. ... The game of tennis has opened new doors for me and I hope will continue to do so in the coming future."Girls' First Place
Emma Makoba - McQueen High School
" . . .The first time I held a racket , it was as if the grip molded to my hand, the head of the racket became merely an extension of my arm, almost as if it were a part of me. I was athletic, sure, but never had I excelled in any single spot until I found tennis... I learned valuable lessons in sportsmanship and cooperation with others. ... For a while It was as if I couldn't play enough, my drive and my passion for the sport clouded my judgment and blurred my inhibitions. I have no limits to how long my tennis shoes may skid across that hard court surface or for how may times my racket may drop to my side as I wind up to hit a backhand, or wipe the sweat off my brow before I bounce the ball a lucky three times before I go in for a serve. . . ."
Girls' Second Place
Mikaela Medeiros - Reno High School
". . . From ball girl at my parents' matches to high school state competitor, tennis has always been a part of my life. My parents enrolled me in tennis at a young age. At first, it was an occasional fun activity but as I grew older, it became much more. . . . I continued to play tennis throughout high school. I met incredible girls, some of which are now my best friends and created memories, on and off the court, which I will never forget. As team captain, I had the pleasure of leading the team, and in the process, fostered leadership abilities I will use in college and beyond. . . . . I learned the importance of being optimistic. I can be down five games and come back to win if I stay positive. I found that a positive team and doubles partners helps me succeed. . . . . the lessons I have learned from tennis will forever be a part of me.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP for 2009 has been awarded to the following recipients.
Boys' First Place
Spencer Brinson - Carson City High School
". . . When I review my personal history of activities and choices, I feel I have exhibited a positive character, and have been a role model in my athletic and academic efforts. A major goal for me has been to abstain from drugs and alcohol. I have been successful in this arena and have been able to speak freely with my peers and influence some of their decisions because of my unwavering stand on this issue. ... I have set a good example for my teammates and friends by demonstrating good sportsmanship, fairness, and responsible actions. . ."
Boys' Second Place
Tyler John Simms - Carson High School
". . . All my childhood I was involved in sports. From the ages four to fifteen I was not just playing one sport but perhaps two to three sports. I always lovd to compete, and I had a desire in me to compete that coaches can't teach. When I got into the high school ranks I planned on doing the same thing. I imagined myself being a two sort athlete, playing basketball and baseball. Baseball being my favorite, I loved playing baseball more than anything. However, when I got to high school, those two sports just were not what I thought they would be. When it came time for baseball tryouts my sophomore year, I had had enough. I chose not to tryout. Then summer came, and after that everthing changed. That was the summer I discovered tennis. . ."
Girls' First Place
Keely Thoreson - Reed High School
" . . .Through the tennis team, I befriended incredible people, all of whom enhanced my high school experience. Tennis enabled us to grow as friends as we experienced the struggles and victories of playing sports. ... Beyond tennis, I'm always looking for opportunities to challenge myself academically, due to my desire to learn. I was able to maintain a 4.975 weighted GPA taking honors and advanced placement classes. . ."
Girls' Second Place
Anna Roach - Galena High School
". . . I was born into the sport and there was no escaping it. My grandmother had a love for tennis. She never missed an Agassi match and this love soon wore off on my family. As a chil I had no desire to pick up a racket but as I grew up, tennis would bring me some of my fondest memories. . . This sport has allowed me to develop stronger concentration and determination as well as a deeper connection with my brothers. Playing tennis is more than a sport for me, it is a method of creating friendships and memories that will stay with me forever. . ."
2008 Reno/Tahoe High School Senior Tennis Player Scholarship
WINNERS
Girl’s First Place
Sarah Barnhill – Douglas High School
“Ten years from now when someone mentions “high school,” I know exactly what will come to mind: my team. ….. Overall, tennis has been a stepping stone for me in all aspects of my future. It has helped me sharpen my leadership skills and learn valuable life lessons that will aid me in my future endeavors. I am proud to have been selected as co-captain of this team and share in its triumphs; I hope my experiences in the highest esteem. Leading and participating in this athletic program has helped me discover what kind of person I am and has given me insight to what my future has the potential to be.”
Girl’s Second Place
Justine Multon – Tahoe City High School
“I first started playing tennis at the age of 10 or 11 and hated it. I though that only old people played tennis and that it was a boring sport. Since then, I have realized that tennis is an exhilarating game that involves strength, technique, extreme skill, and devotion. Out of all the sports I have played throughout high school, tennis was my favorite. It was the only one I cried at when it was over and the only one I will truly miss. The best part of about tennis, however, is that this sport can be played bay old people, or young people. This is a sport for all the ages and is social and great fun”…..
Boy’s First Place
Sathya Ram – Wooster High School
“…Tennis has had an incredibly huge impact on my life and it will always will. I am a better-rounded student because I play tennis. Furthermore, tennis has taught me basic principles such as patience and obedience. It has taught me how to control anger, and remain calm during stressful situations. It has also taught me about civility and good sportsmanship.”
Boy’s Second Place
Gavin Deller – Galena High School
“…Playing high school tennis was great in that this individual sport brought the team aspect into life. Being part of a team gave me confidence and friend’s right from the beginning of high school making me feel like I was part of something special. We had to work as a team in order to succeed, and I find that many people are missing that in life. …Tennis is a sport that truly has impacted my life more than anything, but more importantly, it is a sport that I will be able to play for as long as I live.”
