Nestled between Kroger and Indian Ridge are the White House Tennis Courts. What may look like six simple tennis and pickleball courts is actually much more—they’re a cultural centerpiece of the town.

For some, the courts are a place to have fun with friends on a nice summer evening. For others, they’re a competitive landscape. The White House High School Tennis Team has seen its fair share of competition on these courts.

Four years ago, I stepped onto them for the very first time. Nervous and unprepared, I walked across what would soon become a familiar path—Byrum Drive—to join my first spring practice with the team.

At the time, I didn’t even know how to properly hold a racquet. But that didn’t hold me back. Through the endless encouragement of Coach Brown and Coach Hatcher, I began to develop my skills.

Over time, I learned how to actually hit the ball into the court—instead of launching it miles beyond the fence.

Throughout those four years, our coaches instilled one message in us: beat your opponent through consistency. Our goal was never to hit a crazy shot or rely on a perfect serve. Instead, it was to play our best until our opponent made a mistake.

As with all sports, consistency doesn’t come quickly. Some people pick it up fast, while others—like me—take a little longer.

During my first three years, I won just four matches out of nearly 40. But I didn’t let that stop me. Gradually, I improved. Little by little, things started to click—so much so that by my senior year, I finally started to win.

I wasn’t the only success story. The WHHS boys tennis team has historically struggled in district competition—but that’s been changing.

In the 2026 season, we moved into a new and more challenging district that included the reigning state champions. Despite the tougher competition—and adding two brand new players—our team finished 5th in the district.

Our success wasn’t just about what happened on the court. It came from the unwavering support of our coaches, both in tennis and in life. From drills at practice to helping review an English paper, they’ve made a lasting impact on every player.

That support extended beyond our coaches, too. Families and former players poured into our team in meaningful ways.

Alan Buchanan, a WHHS player from the Class of 2023, showed up to nearly every summer practice to help teach new players the basics. Carlos Ramirez, a teammate’s father, spent time helping refine our serves. And so many parents supported us in simple but important ways—like making sure we got to practice.

As the 2026 season comes to an end—and with it, my high school tennis career—I find myself looking back with gratitude.

For my teammates.
For my coaches.
For everyone who showed up.

They’ve all left a mark on me.

Thank you, White House Tennis.