Athlete of the Month
By Katie Scripoch
By Katie Scripoch
While only a sophomore, number four singles player for girls’ tennis, Makena Thigpen has already shown that she’s preparing for even more success to come.
Head coach Seth Hein has recognized Thigpen’s dedication to tennis through her positive attitude, but also her 8-2 record.
“She’s been the anchor of this team. She has the best record on the team,” said Hein. “She gives 100% on and off the court.”
Number two singles player Caroline Sarringhaus, 11, has recognized that Thigpen’s competitiveness and drive towards the sport has motivated other girls on the team.
“Makena plays tennis year round, and it shows. She has found lots of success this year and I know she will keep improving as the years go on,” said Sarringhaus.
Thigpen has also supported other athletes on the team, by encouraging and motivating them.
“By challenging another player for her spot at the beginning of the season, she really demonstrated how dedicated she was to the team and how she really wanted to play at a more advanced level,” said Bethany Tate, 11.
Athleticism isn’t the only important aspect of the sport though. Teammates and Hein have noticed that Thigpen has displayed nothing but good sportsmanship to her teammates and opponents.
“She’s an asset to the team this year and I have no doubt she’ll be an asset to the team in the coming years,” said Hein.
Thigpen has inspired other players like Adris Bobby, 10, because she often gets her spot challenged but has always made a point to prove herself.
“It's really cool seeing her as a fellow sophomore, as a friend, seeing her skyrocket like that,” said Bobby.
Head coach Seth Hein has recognized Thigpen’s dedication to tennis through her positive attitude, but also her 8-2 record.
“She’s been the anchor of this team. She has the best record on the team,” said Hein. “She gives 100% on and off the court.”
Number two singles player Caroline Sarringhaus, 11, has recognized that Thigpen’s competitiveness and drive towards the sport has motivated other girls on the team.
“Makena plays tennis year round, and it shows. She has found lots of success this year and I know she will keep improving as the years go on,” said Sarringhaus.
Thigpen has also supported other athletes on the team, by encouraging and motivating them.
“By challenging another player for her spot at the beginning of the season, she really demonstrated how dedicated she was to the team and how she really wanted to play at a more advanced level,” said Bethany Tate, 11.
Athleticism isn’t the only important aspect of the sport though. Teammates and Hein have noticed that Thigpen has displayed nothing but good sportsmanship to her teammates and opponents.
“She’s an asset to the team this year and I have no doubt she’ll be an asset to the team in the coming years,” said Hein.
Thigpen has inspired other players like Adris Bobby, 10, because she often gets her spot challenged but has always made a point to prove herself.
“It's really cool seeing her as a fellow sophomore, as a friend, seeing her skyrocket like that,” said Bobby.