Tate Danielson and his Ada High School tennis teammates are looking to win a state championship this weekend.
Danielson plays No. 1 doubles for the Cougars. This season has taught him how to handle pressure.
“I wouldn’t say it was really something I’d struggled with, but watching and playing other teams this year just really made it clear to me how I want to be seen,” Danielson said. “I just kind of realized that I wanted to be different than other players when it comes to my attitude and actions.”
Danielson has worked on maintaining his presence of mind during tense situations, something that he hopes will benefit him at state.
“Of course, [I want] to win, but also I just want to have a good time and enjoy it since it’s my last one with the team,” Danielson said.
Danielson has played tennis competitively at school since the seventh grade but has attended tennis camps almost every summer since elementary school. He also participates in student council, FCA, mock trial, academic team, NHS, science club and Ruff Riders.
“Student council is definitely important to me because it really helped me grow confidence and meet new people across the state. I’ve had so many opportunities through it that taught me how to work with others more effectively,” Danielson said.
That confidence is something that has served Danielson well on the tennis court.
“I think [leadership] is available tool to have, especially when preparing to enter into a new stage of life, which I am,” Danielson said.
Danielson has always taken his grades seriously and has tremendous ambition for the future. His mother, who teaches, inspires him.
“I feel like seeing education from her perspective at an early age really conditioned me to get the most out of my time in school,” Danielson said. “I plan on attending Baylor University in the fall in hopes of entering the medical field. I’m not sure what exact distinction I want to pursue, but I hope to discover it through my academic studies. I also want to develop my faith and make lasting relationships.”
