VYPE: What are your goals for this season ? 

Tate: My goals for this season are to place at this year’s state tournament and to enjoy every second of my season.

VYPE: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life? 

Tate: Tennis is a game of strategy, and playing it has taught me a lot about being smart and calm in high tension situations.

VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade and why?

Tate: My favorite teacher is my sophomore Biology teacher Mrs. Morrison. In my mind when I think of a perfect teacher, it’s her. She is great at her job and makes even the most complicated subjects easy to understand. She is a great mentor who gives honest, real advice and seemingly has the answer to every problem. She deeply cares for every one of her students and spends so much time and effort putting labs and assignments together for them. She is my favorite teacher ever.

VYPE: Who inspires you and why?

Tate: My teacher, Bible study leader, and friend Ms. Casey Black inspires me because she models how to keep a positive attitude during stressful situations, often in an environment where that can be very difficult. Ms. Black is also a listener: you can give her any problem and she will always help you fix it. She is the definition of hard work and spends so much time out of the classroom working on school projects. She is an all-around good person and a great role model.

VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why? 

Tate: My former teammate Boady Ross has left a huge impression on my life in a way that is difficult to describe in text. Boady is a trustworthy friend who is always fun to be around. He is a source of educated advice and his attitude towards life is one that I admire. I strive to be like him in many ways.

VYPE: What is your favorite part about being on a team?  

Tate: My favorite part about being on a team is the friendships that come with it. Being on the tennis team has allowed me to make friendships that I will cherish for a long time.

VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation, where do you go and who do you take with you? 

Tate: I would go to the mountains of Colorado to hike, mountain bike, and white water raft. I would bring along some of my friends and family.

VYPE: Why are you passionate about your sport?

Tate: I am passionate about tennis because it is tailored to my personality. It allows me to be precise and tactical without the aspect of roughness that other sports bring. It also helps that the tennis community is very supportive and encouraging, along with the fact that there are many past graduates who are still around to give their tips and tricks to the younger generations. 

VYPE: Here is your chance to say hello, goodbye or thank you to anyone you wish. 

Tate: I would like to thank my family, coaches, teammates and friends for supporting and encouraging me as well as my ancient former tennis coach Mrs. Nimmo for teaching me this great game.