Ethan Joyner
Photo by Deanna Portrait Photography (Deanna Hurley)
Ethan is a 14-year-old who attends Tomlin Middle School. Ethan plays tennis for the Plant City Recreational Tennis league, and his team’s name for the last tournament was the Berry Ballers!
How long have you been playing tennis?
I’ve been playing since I was 4 years old with Coach Shane at the Plant City Tennis Center. So, almost 10 years now.
What’s your favorite thing about tennis?
It’s a solo sport, but there’s a social aspect of it when you play in a league or on a team.
Do you play both singles and doubles?
Yes
Do you have a preference in terms of singles or doubles?
Doubles. I play mostly singles at practice, but I get to play both during tournaments, and it’s nice to not have all the pressure on you.
Is there a rule in tennis that you would change? If so, what is it?
I would want the doubles lines to be used also for singles matches. It would give more space to hit the ball in.
What’s your favorite memory involving tennis?
Winning my first tournament at 10 years old.
What’s the hardest thing about tennis?
Serves. You only get 2 shots to get it right.
What’s an area of tennis that you want to improve?
My serves, for sure.
Is there a sport you haven’t played that you would like to try?
Baseball. It’s similar to tennis in some ways, and it’s an iconic American sport.
When you’re not playing tennis, what are you doing in your free time?
Playing flag football or video games.
