By: Connor Driesenga, Daisy Solis, Owen Ruggles, Brett Schrotenboer
Three nerves, that’s all it takes for you to feel the wonderful pain, adrenaline, and vibration of a racket as you return what could very well be an ace. You see it coming, and you react without a second thought until it feels like you hit your funny bone. That’s what an unconditioned tennis player would feel. We though, are talking about something other than an inexperienced tennis player.
Reece Carlson lived in the world of tennis. He was dedicated to his sport and his teammates. “I would say Reece was a great teammate. He was always at practice trying his hardest,” said teammate and former doubles partner Aiden Hamlin.
Reece explained to us that he wanted to play four solid years of tennis. In those four years, a lot had happened.
“My confidence grew as I got better, and so did my love for the game,” he pointed out.
Throughout Reece’s tennis career he dealt with a few big changes He explained that he didn’t let either of those happenings affect his career. He kept his confidence and positivity throughout that time and kept working. Knowing who he was and what he had to do to achieve his goal and be the best Reece he could be.
Reece suffered from an injury as he played singles against Otsego, a stress fracture on his left foot. A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone that can worsen over time, as a senior–playing for the last time in his tennis career there wasn’t time for rest. Still, he took the necessary time and pushed through. Many people would panic or even just give up knowing they don’t have a “next year” to fight for what they deserve.
“It wasn’t the worst injury I had only a stress fracture to the left foot–I’m just glad I was able to play my senior season,”
“I didn’t know how to feel in the beginning. Of course it was hard deep down though I knew I was going to be back. So I guess it was a factor of motivation.”
Throughout his tennis career, Reece played doubles with Adien Hamlin,one of his best friends until he switched to playing singles for the first time in his senior season. Although that is a big change, Reece never backed down and never lost his confidence.
When Reece went from doubles singles “I mean there’s a huge difference. I’ve played with the same doubles partner throughout my entire career and he’s a great friend of mine. It was tough not having him there but it’s also really exciting to play by yourself–all your wins or losses are yours–no excuses”
Reece isn’t totally sure what he wants to do after school but he does have some ideas.
“Go to college and just do good there.” was Reese’s first answer. He does though have a few specific colleges, to see if it would relate to his tennis career. Reece said that Michigan, Hope, and Gvsu were high on his list. What about coaching or coming back to Hamilton will it be for tennis?
Reece stated, “It’s a consideration, I really love tennis but you know we’ll see where college takes me and what path it leads.”
One last question, a general question that everyone has been asked, a question for the ages. What was his favorite memory not of tennis, not of high school, just a simple favorite memory.
“Well one time the whole tennis team came over to my house. We watched the game and ate a bunch of food. That is definitely my favorite memory.” exclaimed Reece with a big smile.
So an inexperienced tennis player…no, just Reece Carlson and his journey through high school tennis. The ups and downs, the ins and outs, but most importantly the time he spent.