Senior Taylor Cook is determined to end her Ada tennis career knowing she poured everything into her game and her teammates. “My personal goals this season are to work as hard as I can and graduate knowing I did everything possible to become the best player I could with the time I had left,” Cook said.
She says the energy around the Lady Cougars has never been better. “Morale has been super high,” she said. “We’ve all been pushing each other to grow and improve, and we’ve kept the environment really supportive and positive.”
Their goals are big and clear. “Some of our goals as a team are to improve with each tournament. There’s always something to learn, even when we win,” she said. “We’re also working to bring home a three-peat state championship title. We’re trying to achieve this by taking advantage of every opportunity to be on the court, whether it’s after practice or on weekends.” For Cook, their greatest edge is each other. “I think our team’s biggest strength is each other,” she said. “We hold each other accountable at practice and push each other while still keeping things fun.”
Her role extends far beyond her own court. “I would call myself the team motivator,” Cook said. “I’m often the one organizing times for the team to hit outside of practice, which helps us to improve and also strengthen our connections.” On match day, she looks for pressure points. “When facing an opponent’s defense, I look for the weaker player, whether that’s by skill, position on the court, or mentality,” she said. “I also look for the open spaces or gaps on the court.”
She prepares by logging as many reps as she can. “I prepare by practicing as much as possible,” Cook said. “I’ll practice with anyone, which allows me to face a lot of different strategies and playing styles.” Once the match starts, she leans on that work. “When I step on the court, I try to stay calm and confident,” she said. “I focus on playing my game and trusting the work I’ve put in during practice.”
Cook hopes what people remember most is her work ethic. “I want my legacy to be that I worked hard,” she said. “I take every opportunity I can to be on the court and spend hours making the small adjustments that eventually add up and that is what I am most proud of.” Pride in the program runs deep. “Outsiders might not realize how much pride this team takes in representing Ada,” she said. “Everyone really cares about the program and wants to uphold its reputation and legacy.”
Her favorite moment in maroon and white is easy to pick. “My favorite memory in an Ada uniform so far has been winning the state championship match and getting to share and celebrate a state title with my team,” she said. Off the court, her schedule is packed. “I’m involved in National Honor Society, Pickleball Club, Serve Club, Spanish Club, Forensics Club, and Science Club. After high school, I plan to attend Brigham Young University and later pursue dental school.”
