Cedar Thomas and a doubles partner were only two points away from elimination in their state semifinal match. After losing the first set, they fell behind 5-0 in the second. The match could have ended there. Instead, the pair rallied to win and advanced to the championship match, where they finished as state runners-up.

That comeback came during Thomas’ first trip to state and remains one of the Ada senior’s proudest memories. Thomas has competed at the state tournament every year so far, building a high school career around steady improvement and the patience required to overcome difficult moments.

“Patience,” Thomas said. “It’s helped me by teaching me to trust the process, and not everything happens in my timeline.”

Practice provides plenty of chances to apply that lesson. Thomas identified teammate Owen as the player who has made the greatest impression because of the challenge Owen brings each day.

“He’s really good, and he’s made me a better player by competing with me every day,” Thomas said.

Coach Swopes was the person who first introduced Thomas to tennis. Ada’s Class of 2025 also played an important role by showing the younger players how they should approach the program.

“Thank you to coach Swopes for introducing tennis to me, and also thanks to the 2025 class for setting the standard,” Thomas said.

Thomas finds the same positive pressure at the gym, a favorite place in Ada.

“I get pushed to be my best there, and it’s a positive space,” Thomas said.

Tennis is only part of Thomas’ busy senior year. A band member since fifth grade, Thomas plays trumpet and shifts to the keyboards with the front percussion line during marching season. Music also provides a way to serve at Ada First Baptist Church, where Thomas helps lead the youth worship band.

Mrs. Z has been Thomas’ favorite teacher because she consistently offers encouragement while pushing the senior to improve. Some of the most lasting guidance in Thomas’ life, however, came from a grandfather before he died.

“Be a good citizen,” Thomas’ grandfather said.

Those words have stayed with Thomas through every season. State appearances and a runner-up finish will always matter, but the words from Thomas’ grandfather are the kind of lesson that will outlast any tennis season.

“Simply being kind and being nice to people can have a bigger impact than you think,” Thomas said.