Every month, we recognize two student-athletes, one male, one female. This month we recognize sophomore Giancarlo Valdez.
Giancarlo Valdez just started playing tennis but already loves the comradery the sport brings. Valdez plays on the Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity tennis team.
Q: What sport do you play? What positions?
A: I play tennis. There’s only like two or three positions. We switch every now and then. Right now I am playing singles. I am on varsity.
Q: When did you start playing tennis?
A: We just started playing tennis a week ago. This week, I am supposed to have a game. That depends on the weather. Games are postponed when it rains.
Q: Why did you decide to play tennis?
A: I decided to play tennis mostly because I was always used to the sport. I am pretty good at playing ping-pong so I thought that playing tennis would be better than playing ping-pong. My sister is on track and field and I wanted to do something different.
Q: Why did you want to play a different sport from your sister?
A: Mostly because running isn’t really my strong suit. If I join, then I feel like I will be in her shadow—like I will never get anything. Tennis is my own sport and I’m pretty good at it.
Q: Do you have any influences on how you play tennis?
A: No, not really. I used to play sports for fun, but now that I am an athlete. I feel like I can accomplish much more being part of a team rather than being on my own.
Q: Does anyone motivate you to play?
A: My dad motivated me to join a sport so I picked a sport that I have been fond of.
Q: Why do you like tennis in particular?
A: Mostly because in tennis, you can either play alone or play with a teammate. It really just depends on what you want to do. If having a teammate is too much, you can play singles. If you need a teammate, you can play doubles.
Q: How long do you plan to play tennis?
A: I plan to play until I graduate. I will probably after I graduate. It all depends on how it goes for me. LIke I’ll still be playing tennis, it’s just that I’m not too sure if I want to prioritize tennis.
Q: What are your goals in tennis?
A: One of them is to win a match. I want to win both a singles and a doubles match.
Q: How has tennis changed your life?
A: Tennis has changed my life by getting me away from people who have given me a bad vibe. Athletes respect other athletes. When I am an athlete, people understand that I am still growing. I keep playing to keep improving.
