Ethan Wesley didn’t pick up a tennis racket the traditional way. His introduction to the sport came through pickleball, where the fast pace and constant action first caught his attention. But it didn’t take long for him to want more and challenge himself further as an athlete.
“Tennis just seemed like a more fun and athletic form of pickleball,” Wesley said.
Now a senior at Hugo High School, Wesley has spent just over a year developing his game and carving out a role as a trustworthy doubles player. Positioned at the net, he thrives in fast-paced moments, relying on quick reactions and confidence to make plays for his team.
“I take pride in my ability to not shy away from balls regardless how fast it’s coming at me,” he said.
That mindset has become a defining part of his style. Whether it’s a hard-hit volley or a split-second decision at the net, Wesley embraces the challenge. It’s a mentality that has helped him grow rapidly, especially as he continues refining one of the most important parts of his game, his serve.
“I’ve worked really hard on my ability to serve fast and consistent,” Wesley said. “Having a great serve elevates your game to a new level.”
Preparation is another area where Wesley has developed a disciplined approach. Before each match, he studies his opponents, first during warmups, then by observing their serve patterns and tendencies. Once competition begins, his focus narrows.
“I just breathe and let my ability take the lead,” he said. “I focus on one point at a time.”
That approach helps him stay composed, even in pressure situations. Instead of getting overwhelmed, Wesley breaks matches into manageable moments, focusing on angles, shot selection and execution.
Off the court, some of his favorite memories come from the bonds he’s built with teammates and the time they spend together traveling to matches.
“We push each other to be better,” Wesley said.
Balancing tennis with a busy senior schedule, including band, work and other activities, has required careful time management. Wesley even turned to a calendar to keep everything organized and stay on track.
Through it all, he’s learned a valuable lesson about growth.
“If you focus too much on your overall goal, it can feel overwhelming,” he said.
As he continues his final season, Wesley’s focus remains simple: compete at his highest level, stay healthy and stick to his pre-match routine, which always includes a purple Powerade.
