VYPE: Can you tell us a bit about your background, both in terms of academics and sports?
Sadie Epps: My family has always played sports. Growing up, we were a tennis family. My parents would take my siblings and me to the tennis courts and we would hit and have a great time. My parents always put us in different sports to see what we liked but our main sport growing up was always tennis.
VYPE: What inspired you to start playing your sport?
SE: My parents inspired me to start playing my sport, along with my sisters. My two older sisters were fantastic players growing up and I wanted to be like them. My parents were always encouraging to me no matter what I wanted to do but they encouraged me during our practices and matches.
VYPE: Which athlete, professional or otherwise, do you look up to and why?
SE: The athlete that I look up to is Caitlin Clark. She is an incredible basketball player and she’s broken important records, but she doesn’t care much about the media. She is interested in getting her job done and helping her team get the win. She leads them to victory, not for herself but because it’s what they need from her.
VYPE: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your high school sports career that stands out to you?
SE: A memorable moment and achievement from my career was winning our first tournament of the season. It was my first tournament in three years, and I was extremely nervous to play. Our team overcame our challenges and pulled out the win and that’s a moment I won’t forget.
VYPE: What challenges have you faced in your sports journey, and how did you overcome them?
SE: The constant challenge that I have been facing is injuries. Between basketball and tennis, many muscles in my body get tight, sore, or even pulled. Overcoming the injuries came with lots of rest and knowing when I need to take a day off to play to my full potential.
VYPE: How has being part of a team influenced your personal growth and character development?
SE: Being part of a team has positively influenced my growth because it teaches me many life lessons. It teaches me how to work with other people and be supportive of them. Our team is a very positive and healthy one and we all love and support each other. We celebrate everyone’s success and lift them up during failures.
VYPE: Are there any specific rituals or routines you follow before a game or competition to prepare yourself mentally and physically?
SE: Before every tournament, I wake up one hour and 15 minutes before I have to leave. Once we get there, I put on my shoes, stretch and warm up with my teammates. In between every point during my match, I go back to the fence and fidget with my strings to reset my mind.
VYPE: What role do your coaches play in your development as an athlete?
SE: My coaches are very influential in my development. Coach Terry Swopes (my uncle) has encouraged me so much and constantly uplifts me. My grandpa Bill Nelson plays tennis with me in the mornings and helps me work on my game and my development. Both of my coaches have been extremely patient and influential in helping me become a better player and person.
VYPE: What are your plans after high school?
SE: My plans after high school are to play basketball in college.
