Brock Young, a senior at Tahlequah High School, brings a deep sense of dedication and respect to the tennis court. “The thing that motivates me the most is knowing that I will be disappointed in myself if I don’t give my everything to tennis,” Brock said, showcasing his commitment to giving his best in every match.
When it comes to influences, Brock’s father stands out as a beacon of strength and integrity. “The person who influenced me the most is my dad,” Brock affirmed. “He has always been there for me as the strong and moral person he is. He is also very hardworking and kind, which makes me want to be at least half the man he is.”
On the coaching front, coach Cody Ryals has made a significant impact on Brock’s tennis journey. “Going from some kid on the team who he just transported during tournaments to someone he seems to actually like has felt very rewarding. Also, seeing him grow as a tennis coach since he started has shown me that although adaptations take time, they are very possible.”
Reflecting on his tennis career, Brock recalls the exhilaration of going to state tournaments as a major highlight. “The biggest highlight I remember from the years I’ve been playing tennis was going to state,” Brock reminisced.
When it comes to on-court rivalries, Brock finds satisfaction in facing formidable opponents like Ruben from Booker T. ” He is an amazing player so when I beat him after a long and grueling tournament, it made me feel like I was on top of the world.”
In practice, Brock relishes hitting with Noah Barret due to the intense yet friendly atmosphere it creates. “This leads to long rallies and a lot of friendly banter, which is what I live for,” Brock said.
Looking ahead, Brock’s plans after high school involve serving in the Air National Guard while pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Northeastern Oklahoma State University. Through it all, representing his high school on the court means upholding values of respect, support for teammates and a strong work ethic. “Representing my high school when I play means that I have to make sure to give the most respect to my opponents on and off the court because that’s what our school instills into us.”
