Some sports stars growing up spending their childhood developing their skills. For tennis captain Alex Smith this is not the case. Smith began to play his sophomore year of high school, first learning from his dad and then taking lessons the summer before joining the team.

 “My dad played tennis in high school and liked it a lot,” Smith said. “He played his senior year of high school and through college. He’s the one who introduced me to tennis.”

Over the last three years Smith has continued to sharpen his tennis skills. His favorite moment was during a tournament last season.

 “It was a tight three set match,” Smith said. “It was exciting because it was so close and I won.”

Smith is currently on the varsity team and has been for all three years of his high school tennis career. Smith and the team recently played in the district tournament, taking third place for the second year in a row. With only the top two teams qualifying for regionals, the senior is hoping the team will advance in the spring.

 “I’m looking forward to going to regionals in the spring,” Smith said. “Because we’ve never gone before and I’m excited for all our hard work to pay off.”