The ball bounces as you drop it to the ground. The racket weighs your hand down as you eyeball the net. You prepare to serve. Bounce. Bounce. Smack! Your eyes try to follow the ball over the net, but it doesn’t sail to the other side as you’d anticipated: it’s stuck in the crevasse of your racket. This may sound like the act of a rookie, but it’s actually the start of a star’s career. That star’s name? Eva White.

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“That was definitely the most embarrassing moment in tennis for me,” the 14 year old freshman stated, “I’m just happy it was during practice, and not a match.”

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At first glance, White’s bright personality definitely shines through, but one probably wouldn’t be able to detect her personal ties with tennis unless you really got to know her. She began her training at age nine, and has been playing for five years since then.

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“I like tennis because it’s an individual sport,” White explains, “As corny as it sounds, it’s just something I really enjoy. When I play I forget about everything and kinda escape from reality in a way.”

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Eva clearly has an infatuation with the sport. She spoke of her previous years when she played with the Tri City Middle School Team with a blissful and passionate air, which only grew when asked about her favorite match she’s ever played.

“It was a year into my membership on the Tri City team, and I was going against the number one player on the rivaling school’s team,” White recounted. “I thought I had no chance, and I won! It was such an eye-opener, and really made me serious about playing.”

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On Eva’s transition to high school she not only had to leave her classmates behind, she had to say her goodbyes to the Tri City team as well. She now trains at Brengle Terrace Park, under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Heide Clay, whom White adores. With her move to individual lessons, Eva’s had a change in scenery, sure, but also has noticed a change in her play style.

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“I now much prefer singles over doubles,” White elaborates. “It’s something about being up there facing your opponent one on one that’s so liberating.”

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While she may still be finding her niche in the tennis world, Eva’s bubbly personality, stunning skill set, and match-winning attitude will be sure to get her far. Old legends beware, there’s a new “love” coming to a tennis court near you.