The Kent Reporter athletes of the week for the week of Oct. 4 are from Kentlake; Ava Cox (Sr.) volleyball, Cooper Altinay (So.) tennis.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Cox: I value how supportive my team is. We are all in it together and we show it on and off the court.
Altinay: I value that tennis has a way of making every match practice for the next one. In every single match of my first season, I was seeing shots from the other team that I didn’t know how to handle, but now after all of those matches, I’ve learned from them and am still learning exactly how to face against any shot from anyone.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Cox: Volleyball has taught me a lot about leadership and mental toughness.
Altinay: I have learned so much from this sport but the main thing I would say that I can take with me to my life is the idea that you can see what you’ve done wrong, and improve upon it every single time. Coach Cogger always says to recognize what was flawed with every swing and correct it on the next shot. And if you ever make a good ball, muscle memory it immediately so you will always do that shot as well as you ever have the next time.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Cox: Something that helps me stay motivated is remembering that I don’t only play for myself but also my team and they deserve all my effort.
Altinay: What really helps me feel motivated is just talking with the people around me. If I’m ever feeling really down or unmotivated, one or two talks with my friends will motivate me so much with the support and also sometimes the criticism they give me.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Cox: My favorite pre-game meal is whatever I find in my fridge five minutes before I leave.
Altinay: I don’t currently have a “pre”-game meal but I definitely have a post game one, where I almost always go to Panda Express after matches.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Cox: When my teammates are struggling during a game I try and help them brush off their mistakes and reset for the next ball.
Altinay: If my teammate is struggling with the technique part of the sport then I would encourage them to practice. Any time you spend on the courts is time that you are spending getting better. If they are struggling with the mental side of the sport, I would suggest for them to get out of their own head. Play every single point like it needs to be the best one you’ve played, and focus solely on the game.
From the sidelines:
Cox: Ava has contributed a great dig, serve-receive and serving numbers keeping the Falcons at a solid 3rd place in the NPSL. Ava displays quickness, great reaction time and is fun to watch! She is a stand-up leader on and off the court.
Altinay: Cooper played the best match of his two years at KL against a far more experienced player from FWHS. He has eyes on at every practice when receiving instruction and is slowly becoming a leader on the team even though he is only a sophomore. He will definitely be a future captain at Kentlake boys tennis. His teammates tell me he is fun to be around before and after practice. Most importantly, he is a great student
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