Love-15

For fifteen years Floydada Head Tennis coach Robin Nixon has been serving up more than just tennis lessons, but also lessons in life skills.

"I've always tried to compare life and tennis together," said Nixon. "There are times in tennis when you are the only one on that court and you get yourself dug in a hole. If you can get out of that hole by yourself on the court, when you get down in that same hole in life you're prepared to find a way out."

With five regional returners on the court this year, another successful season is within reach. A strong girls program - including back-to-back doubles district winners junior Lexie Terrell and senior Jennifer Rainwater - is complimented by another regional qualifying doubles team of Lindsey Beedy and Kelby Day. "We have a very strong girls program this year, and I really expect to see some great things from them." said coach Nixon.

The girls aren't the only ones serving up wins this season, as a new comer freshman Hayden Lipham and junior Tim Campbell have been opening eyes around the area since the beginning of the season.

"The thing about last year is that it opened the door for some of our new players like Tim Campbell, who took a very seasoned athlete from Shallowater at the regional team tennis to a third set tie break." said Nixon. "It has been great to see that and watch these players mature and grow."

"We play every tournament that we play, as so when we get to the district tournament, we are ready to go to the next level. Our goal is to get to regionals, and I don't want to take a Suburban to regionals, I want to take the big bus!"

On Thursday, the Whirlwinds tennis team will leave for Round Rock for State Team Tennis and will return to play two more tournaments before district begins.