Athlete of the week: October 14
October 14, 2020
Which TM athlete had the best week?
- Damian Rosas '22, tennis (50%, 22,736 Votes)
- Ivan Avila '23, cross country (49%, 21,949 Votes)
- Madison Moore '23, volleyball (1%, 405 Votes)
Total Voters: 39,742
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Coach Wade Sinard: “Damian brought a sharp focus to all of his matches last week; which helped him dominate several strong players. His mental approach towards the tasks at hand are what set him apart from his opponents.” (Meinheit)
Damian Rosas ’22, tennis
How do you feel about your match last week?
I felt really good about my win against Flour Bluff because I lost to the same kid last year. That win shows my improvement from then to now. Also, our team lost to Flour Bluff last year, so it was nice to get revenge against them. I like where my game is at as we get closer to playoffs.
What was the most important moment of that match?
Winning the doubles match, because it set the tone for the rest of the evening and helps me go into singles with a positive mind set.
What was the key to your success in that match?
To have a clear and focused mind set and not let anything affect me and the way I was playing.
How did you get started in tennis?
After I could no longer play football, coach Skoruppa asked me to join 7th grade tennis.
Where do you get your motivation for tennis?
I’m in a really successful program, so it inspires me to keep the tradition of winning alive.
What is your favorite tennis memory?
Whenever we played Mission Sharyland in the regional quarterfinals last year. During my doubles match, I hurt my hamstring/groin and still played No. 2 singles. In my match, I ended up winning 17-15 in the third set tiebreak to help clinch the victory.
What is the best advice your coach ever gave you?
To stay out of my own way. I can do that by making the right decisions, working hard, and having the right mind set. This is good advice, because so many good players get lost along the way.
What further goals do you have in tennis?
To make it to the state tournament in team tennis and individual tennis this year and next year. I would like to win a state championship; individually or as a team.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I would like to attend a university where I can study to be a coach and hopefully play tennis.
Coach Jamie Gill: “Madi had an outstanding performance against Calallen, which was a huge game for us.”(Mia Lewis ’21)
Madison Moore ’23, volleyball outside hitter and middle back
How do you feel about your match last week?
It was a very exciting game. Calallen being TM’s biggest rival makes the game so much more intense.
What was the most important moment of that match?
The last hit, and everyone cheering. Calallen came to win, but we worked hard as a team to pull off a much-needed game.
What was the key to your success in that match?
Staying focus, not getting in my head, and keeping up the energy for our team
How did you get started playing volleyball?
I started in 6th grade playing club and I fell in love with the sport.
Where do you get your motivation for volleyball?
I love the game and I love being challenged mentally and physically.
What is your favorite volleyball memory?
Winning a really hard game and getting that feeling of accomplishment. Working so hard at practice and having it pay off in the end makes everything worth it.
What is the best advice your coach ever gave you?
Our thing is thumbs up; it’s our way that we connect without having to say a word. Good or bad we get it.
What further goals do you have in volleyball?
I would love to go on and play college ball.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
Go to college to pursue a medical degree and play ball.
Coach Eddie Castillo: “Ivan had a good start in Saturday’s race. He went out with the leaders and challenged the eventual winner all the way past the two-mile mark. Despite being caught in “no man’s land” for a while where it is easy to fall off the pace when running by yourself, Ivan kept pushing through and finished strong averaging a 5:47 pace per mile for three miles (overall time 17:57). Ivan is starting to gain the confidence he will need to challenge for the district championship on October 26 at West Guth Park.”(Eddie Castillo)
Ivan Avila ’23, cross country
How do you feel about your race last week?
I feel that my performance will reflect how I’ll do at regionals.
What was the most important moment of that race?
I got a strong start to the race. It wasn’t long before I took the lead and I kept it for a while. This is important because it really shows my confidence in my own abilities as a runner and athlete.
What was the key to your success in that race?
My mental strength and control over my body.
How did you get started in cross country?
In the 7th grade, my dad suggested I do cross country for track conditioning. I had done summer track before, but I wasn’t a star or anything. Next thing I know, I stopped playing baseball and continued running.
Where do you get your motivation to run cross country?
I get my motivation from my family and God, who show me what potential I have.
What is your favorite cross country memory?
My favorite memory of cross country is when I won district in the 8th grade. I always remember how focused I was and how smooth I ran, ignoring the pain and my other opponents.
What is the best advice your coach ever gave you?
“Run your own race.”
What further goals do you have in cross country?
My one goal is to make it to state and win.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I hope to go to school at U.T for aerospace engineering with an athletic scholarship.
Each Monday, the War Cry staff asks coaches to submit nominations for Athlete of the Week. We ask that each nominee complete our questionnaire by the end of the day Tuesday. Visitors have until noon on Friday to vote for Athlete of the Week.
