May 4th, 2023
Get to Know the Players at the FHSAA 2023 State Championships: Alba Martinez
At the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association Tennis State Championships, USTA Florida caught up with 1A Team Champion Alba Martinez, a sophomore from True North Academy. Hear what she had to say about her journey in tennis, the season, and more.
Rapid Fire Questions
Q: How long have you been playing tennis?
A: Since I was about six years old it’s been almost ten years.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about playing tennis?
A: I just love being able to express my game. Everyone you play has different game styles and being able to have the challenge of trying to adapt to each match is just really fun.
Q: What’s been your experience playing on a high school team?
A: I love it, I love the environment, and I love my team. I think it’s so beautiful, because tennis is such an individual sport and the way that they make it into a team event is just so much fun.
Q: Do you have any favorite memories from this high school season?
A: In one of our preseason matches we won 4-3 and it was a lot of fun to watch the deciding match.
Q: What have you learned about teamwork playing on a high school team?
A: Because tennis is portrayed as a really individual sport, we don’t see a lot of teamwork. But learning how to support your teammates when they’re down and getting them back out there because it doesn’t only effect them, but it impacts you and the rest of your team.
Q: Do you have any plans to continue playing tennis after high school?
A: I definitely want to play college tennis and I think that high school tennis was a great way to prepare for it. So, I can’t wait.
Q: Do you attribute your success to any mentors, coaches?
A: Definitely my parents! My parents are very involved with my tennis, and they’ve done everything for my career, so I really appreciate them.
Q: Can you tell me one nice thing about your team?
A: Sofia. She is super funny and whenever we’re down, she can make us laugh all the time.
Q: How do you keep a clear head during matches?
A: Routines. I have my towel on the back of the fence that I go to and I just take deep breaths and just try to move onto the next point.
Interested in playing high school tennis next season? Visit ustaflorida.com/youth-tennis for all the latest information.
