Student Highlight: Maden Purcell

Travis States 
Staff Writer
  Sophomore Maden Purcell's tennis journey began with Wii Sports and his father's influence, leading him to pursue tournament competition and strive for a spot on the BHS Varsity tennis team. 
  On his quest to earn a spot on Varsity, Purcell trains by going to Club Apple Tennis and playing against the people there. He enjoys playing against a wide variety of opponents because, “ [it] allows me to play against different styles and build more diverse skills”. Purcell believes that his biggest area in need of improvement is his consistency, “I know how to hit the most important shots, but in a match, I mess things up a bit too often”. In order to improve on his consistency, Purcell practices tennis as often as he can. On the BHS tennis team, the training typically consists of, “teammates hitting together in drills and practice sets” with the goal of surpassing each other with how personalized a sport tennis is. Despite the competitiveness, the environment of the team is positive with the players building each other up and giving each other tips. Purcell also adds “The instruction is also great with several coaches available to give tips and provide students with a pathway to becoming very strong tennis players”. The hardest part of tennis for Purcell is trying not to get overwhelmed and keeping the confidence required to try something again even if it may have failed last time. To not get overwhelmed, Purcell expresses mid match he reminds himself, “Tennis is crazy sometimes, comebacks are very possible no matter how far ahead or behind you are.”   
  Through hard work, dedication, and large amounts of practicing, Maden Purcell will continue to strive to achieve his goal of making the Varsity team and bringing his tennis skills to a whole new level.

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