Tierney Holmes is the 2016 Mississippi Arthur Ashe Essay Contest Winner!
Each year the USTA holds an Arthur Ashe Essay Contest for NJTL Chapters across the country. There are state winners and national winners. For 2016 Tierney Holmes from Greenwood is the MS winner. Tierney and one guest enjoyed an all-expense paid trip to the Winston Salem Open in Winston Salem, NC.
Tierney Holmes is 17 years old and a senior at Greenwood High School. She has been playing tennis for five years. Not only does she play tennis, she is also the captain of the Greenwood High School volleyball team and co-captain of the trumpet section in her high school marching band. While participating in different kinds of extracurricular activities, she still manages to maintain her grades in school with a GPA of 4.3. Her other hobbies include texting and talking on the phone, hanging with friends and family, and playing tennis and volleyball.
The game of tennis has had a tremendous impact in helping me develop a positive and calm demeanor which allows me to thoughtfully work through challenges that I encounter in my life as an individual and an athlete. Tennis has taught me that a quick response is not always the best response and to observe situations before responding. I believe that courage, good sportsmanship, and being well prepared are attributes of a great tennis player. For me courage is important when I face challenging and intimidating situations, such as; making an approach shot to my opponents and playing in a girl’s singles competition. Over time I have become more confident in these situations by practicing more on my skills and developing personal strategies that allow me to be proud of my efforts regardless of the outcome. Being physically and mentally prepared for the game is also important. I make sure I am hydrated and well rested before a match. I also like to have some quiet time to concentrate on the matches and what I would like to accomplish. Displaying good sportsmanship is the ultimate act of an athlete. I feel sad when my opponents bang their racquet on the ground or scream because the game did not turn out in their favor, but even in those situations, I offer a warm and friendly smile and kind words. I have been playing tennis for five years and because of the discipline and skills required to properly play the game I have grown as an individual by becoming more responsible as to how I approach my academic and athletic goals. I am working to ensure that I am taking the necessary steps to be a successful contributing citizen who can give back to my community. Because of my personal growth, I can officer advice to my friends when they are faced with difficult situations because of what I’ve learned from having to work through difficult situations while playing tennis. I am grateful that I was offered the opportunity to learn the game of tennis for it has been life changing.
