Featured Athlete: Kayla Baker

Grade: 10 | Sport: Tennis

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provided by Kayla Baker

Starting as a child, sophomore Kayla Baker finds her passion in tennis as she found her fit on the Redhawk tennis team.

Wingspan: How long have you been playing tennis and what got you started?

Baker: “I played off and on a lot throughout my childhood, just as something fun that a lot of my friends did, but I’d say 7th or 8th grade was about when I started taking it more seriously and working harder at the sport.”

Wingspan: What fuels your passion to play?

Baker: “I really just fell in love with the competition, both strategically and physically. It’s fast paced, and now I feel that I truly have a passion for getting out and playing and working hard.”

Wingspan: What keeps you motivated day in and day out?

Baker: “Sometimes it gets tough, but keeping the mindset of always working and practicing to get better for the next match motivates me to play each day.”

Wingspan: How do you prepare yourself before a match?

Baker: “Usually I try not to think about it too much or over evaluate my opponents, mostly I just stay very hydrated, obviously practice, and focus on the certain details I need to do in order to win.”

Wingspan: What is your favorite part about being on the team?

Baker: “I love the competitiveness everyone shares, and we all get to have fun together when we cooperate to win matches.”

Wingspan: Is there anything that you are hoping to improve on as season progresses?

Baker: “I definitely want to improve my serve and have better, consistent shots.”