How long do you think it takes to master a craft? To become the MVP of your sports team? Well, it has taken this tennis player, Kaden Brower (10), just one short year to become varsity material.

Brower began playing tennis last fall, and immediately took a liking to it. He played all summer with his friends and dad. Brower’s friend, Jack Tilton, seems to be the one who pushed him into tennis.

“We got into ping pong and pickleball and would play these games very often. And since we were good, we thought it would be fun to try something new,” Brower said.

To prepare for the tennis season, Brower would make sure to play at least once a week. While this training regimen may seem relaxed, Brower’s drive and passion for the sport was the vital piece in him making the varsity team.

“His skills from last year have increased and developed, but his willingness to learn and execute what’s been taught on the court,” coach Teodore Campos said.

Being a versatile player is key to being good at tennis. Brower is able to play both singles and doubles making him useful on the court. He is focusing mostly on single games now. But Brower could easily switch to playing doubles. This is especially important for tournaments.

While tennis may be taking up a large part of his life now, Brower can also apply tennis to the rest of his life.

“A lot of your mentality can be tested and in tennis you must keep balanced to gain success which everyday life requires a lot of,” Campos said. “Also, competing in tennis teaches you that competition will be part of your everyday dealings with others and even yourself.”

Competition is just a part of life, and Brower is ready to take that on. 

“Just enjoy it and have fun with it,” Brower said.