Senior Sam Battiest has spent four years on the courts at Anadarko High School, and he is determined to make this final season his best yet. The varsity tennis player has already built a reputation for resilience and composure in big moments.
Battiest said his biggest inspiration comes from home. “My family inspires me the most; all of them have been through a lot to get me where I am today,” he said. That support has helped carry him through long practices, tough matches and the ups and downs of a long high school career.
One of his favorite memories came on one of the biggest stages. Battiest recalls battling back in the third set at regionals to punch his ticket to the state tournament, a comeback that still fuels his confidence.
“With confidence and hard work anything is possible,” he said.
On court, Battiest keeps things light but competitive, even when it comes to calling balls out on his opponent’s side. “It feels great, which means I’m winning,” he said with a smile.
Before matches, he puts in his earbuds, listens to Drake, stays calm and takes a moment to pray.
Off the court, the senior enjoys science class and points to Mrs. Mollenkopf as his favorite teacher, and he likes spending his free time playing games with friends. If it is just for fun, he said he would probably pick up a pickleball paddle. “I think I could be a dog at pickleball so probably that,” he said.
As he looks ahead to the rest of the season, Battiest said he is excited to face every opponent and continue building “connections and lifelong friends” through the sport that has helped shape his high school years.
